Babar Azam century sends Zalmi into PSL 11 final

Peshawar Zalmi booked their place in the PSL 11 final after Babar Azam’s century set up a commanding 70-run win over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

The Zalmi captain’s 103 off 59 balls anchored a total of 221 for 7, before a disciplined bowling effort bundled United out for 151 in 18.4 overs. With this result, Peshawar Zalmi advance directly to the final, while Islamabad United will get another chance through Eliminator 2 on May 1 in Lahore.

Babar leads from the front with match-defining century

Zalmi’s innings was built around Babar Azam’s control and acceleration at key moments. Opening alongside Mohammad Haris, he laid a strong platform with a 72-run stand before Haris fell for 35 off 16 balls.

Babar then combined with Kusal Mendis to extend the advantage, the pair adding 84 runs for the second wicket. Mendis contributed 41 off 26 deliveries, ensuring momentum did not dip through the middle overs.

A brief wobble followed when Shadab Khan struck twice in an over to remove Michael Bracewell and Abdul Samad, reducing Zalmi to 164 for 4. However, Babar remained composed and brought up his fourth PSL century in the 18th over.

His innings, featuring 12 fours and four sixes, ensured Zalmi crossed 220. Aaron Hardie added a late 20 off 10 balls, while Richard Gleeson picked up two wickets in the final over for United.

United’s chase fades after strong start

Chasing 222, Islamabad United began aggressively. Devon Conway (20) and Sameer Minhas put on 58 for the opening wicket, giving early momentum to the chase.

Minhas carried on after Conway’s dismissal, top-scoring with 44 off 23 balls, including seven fours and a six. He also shared a 23-run stand with Mohsin Riaz (25 off 20).

The chase shifted when Aaron Hardie dismissed both Minhas and Shadab Khan in quick succession. At 100 for 4, United were still in contention, but the innings unravelled rapidly from there.

A collapse saw four wickets fall for just 26 runs, leaving United at 126 for 8 in 15.1 overs. Imad Wasim attempted to revive the innings with 22 off 15 balls, but Mohammad Basit struck twice in the penultimate over to seal the result.

Hardie led the bowling with 3 for 24, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Basit took two wickets each. Bracewell and Khurram Shahzad chipped in with one apiece.

What this means for PSL 11

This result sends Peshawar Zalmi straight into the PSL 11 final, confirming their position as the most dominant side of the league stage and beyond. Babar Azam’s century not only set up the win but defined the contest, creating a target that proved beyond reach.

Islamabad United, despite the defeat, remain in contention and will now face the winner of Eliminator 1 between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen. The structure gives them another opportunity, but Zalmi have secured the most direct path, one win away from the title.

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