Babar Azam century powers Peshawar Zalmi into PSL 11 final

KARACHI: Captain Babar Azam struck a century to lead Peshawar Zalmi to a 70-run win over Islamabad United in the first qualifier of the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League at the National Stadium in Karachi, securing a place in the final for a record fifth time.

After Islamabad United won the toss and chose to bowl, Zalmi began strongly through Babar and Mohammad Haris. The opening pair took the score to 68 within the powerplay before United made the first breakthrough in the seventh over. Haris, who scored 35 from 16 balls, was caught by Mark Chapman at long-off.

Babar then built the innings with Kusal Mendis as the two added 84 runs for the second wicket. Mendis made 41 off 26 deliveries, including five fours and a six, before departing. Babar first reached his half-century in 38 balls and then accelerated sharply, completing his next fifty in 19 deliveries to bring up his second hundred of the season.

The Zalmi skipper made 103 off 59 balls, hitting 12 fours and four sixes. The knock also took him to the top of the tournament's run-scoring list, ahead of Mendis. With one game still left for him in HBL PSL 11, Babar had already matched Fakhar Zaman's tally for the most runs in a single PSL season.

Although Zalmi lost several wickets late in the innings, they still posted 221 for 7 in their 20 overs. For Islamabad United, captain Shadab Khan returned figures of 3 for 42, while Richard Gleeson claimed two wickets.

United lose momentum after brisk start

In reply, Islamabad United made a positive start through Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas, who put on 58 runs in the first five overs. Conway scored 20 off 14 balls before he was dismissed by Michael Bracewell.

Minhas continued to score quickly and made 44 from 23 balls, but his innings ended when Aaron Hardie forced a simple catch to Babar Azam. After that, Islamabad's chase lost direction as wickets fell regularly and the side was eventually bowled out for 151.

The innings did not recover after the dismissals at the top, with seven batters unable to reach double figures. Peshawar Zalmi completed a comprehensive 70-run victory to move into the final.

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

Record final appearance

With the result, Peshawar Zalmi advanced to the PSL final for the fifth time, the most by any side in the tournament's history.