Babar Azam’s 57-ball hundred sends Zalmi into PSL final | The Express Tribune

Captain Babar Azam struck a fluent 57-ball hundred as Peshawar Zalmi outclassed Islamabad United by 70 runs in the first qualifier of the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League at the National Stadium, Karachi, sealing a place in the final for a record fifth time.

Put into bat after Islamabad United won the toss and opted to field, Zalmi made a strong start as Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris laid a solid foundation, taking the score to 68 inside the powerplay.

United struck their first breakthrough in the seventh over when Haris, who made 35 off 16 balls, failed to find the gap and was caught at long-off by Mark Chapman.

Babar then anchored the innings alongside Kusal Mendis, with whom he has formed several productive partnerships this season. The pair added 84 runs for the second wicket, blending control with acceleration to keep Zalmi on course for a big total.

Mendis contributed a brisk 41 off 26 balls, hitting five fours and a six, before falling as Babar continued to dominate.

The right-hander reached his half-century off 38 balls before shifting gears, bringing up his next fifty in just 19 deliveries to complete his second century of the season.

Babar made 103 off 59 balls, striking 12 fours and four sixes, and also moved to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts, overtaking Mendis.

Although Zalmi lost a cluster of wickets in the final overs, the foundation had already been laid for a commanding finish as they posted 221 for 7 in their 20 overs.

For Islamabad United, captain Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 42 runs, while Richard Gleeson chipped in with two wickets.

Chasing 222, Islamabad United openers Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas provided a positive start, putting on 58 runs in the first five overs. Conway, who made 20 off 14 balls, was dismissed by Michael Bracewell.

Minhas continued to look promising, scoring 44 off 23 balls, but was sent back when Aaron Hardie induced a straightforward catch to Babar Azam.

From that point onwards, Islamabad’s innings unravelled under sustained pressure. Wickets fell at regular intervals as they lost any semblance of momentum, eventually being bowled out for 151.

The chase never recovered after the top-order dismissals, with seven batters failing to reach double figures in a stark reflection of their collapse.

With the win, Zalmi closed out a comprehensive win to book their place in the final for a record fifth time in PSL history.

Babar Azam was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century