Babar Azam’s Centurion Masterclass Propels Peshawar Zalmi into the PSL 11 Final

In a high-octane Qualifier at the National Stadium Karachi, Peshawar Zalmi stamped their authority on the tournament by crushing Islamabad United by 70 runs. Batting first after losing the toss, Zalmi posted a mountainous 221/7 on the board, fueled by a sensational century from their captain, Babar Azam. The skipper led from the front with a masterful 103 off 59 balls, hitting 12 boundaries and four towering sixes. His dominance, supported by a rapid 41 from Kusal Mendis and a fiery start by Mohammad Haris (35 off 16), left the United bowlers searching for answers as Zalmi cruised to the season's most critical total.

Islamabad United’s chase never really found its rhythm against a disciplined Zalmi bowling attack. Despite a valiant effort from Sameer Minhas (44) and a late cameo from Mohsin Riaz (25), the target proved too steep as wickets fell at regular intervals. Aaron Hardie was the pick of the bowlers with a clinical 3-wicket haul, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit Ali chipped in with two wickets each to dismantle the middle and lower order. United were eventually bundled out for 151 in 18.4 overs, handing Zalmi a direct ticket to the grand finale and leaving Shadab Khan’s men with one more chance in Eliminator 2.

The victory not only secures Zalmi’s spot in the final but also marks a historic night for Babar Azam, whose hundred was the cornerstone of this dominant performance. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a strike rate of over 174 proved to be the difference-maker in a pressure-cooker playoff atmosphere. As the tournament reaches its business end, Peshawar Zalmi looks like the team to beat, possessing both the batting fire-power and the bowling variety to clinch the PSL 11 trophy.