Babar’s brilliant hundred powers Zalmi into first final in five years

Babar Azam produced a superb century to guide Peshawar Zalmi into their first PSL final since 2021, setting up a dominant 70‑run win over Islamabad United in the Qualifier. Asked to bat, Zalmi surged to 221 for 7, with Babar anchoring the innings through a flawless 59‑ball 103 featuring 12 fours and four sixes. Mohammad Haris set the early tempo with a rapid 35, adding 72 with his captain as Islamabad conceded 68 in the Powerplay, their highest of the season.

Babar later combined with Kusal Mendis in an 84‑run stand that maintained pressure through the middle overs. Despite Shadab Khan’s double strike, Zalmi accelerated again, helped by Aaron Hardie’s late cameo. Islamabad replied brightly through Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas, but once both fell, the chase collapsed from 81 for 2 to 114 for 7. Hardie and Sufiyan Muqeem tightened control, sealing a comfortable victory and Zalmi’s long‑awaited return to the final.