KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi have set Islamabad United a daunting target of 222 runs to qualify for the final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, after posting 221 in the Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to field first, United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and sent Zalmi in to bat. However, his decision backfired as Peshawar’s batting lineup fired on all cylinders, led by a magnificent century from skipper Babar Azam.
Peshawar Zalmi post their fourth 200+ total in HBL PSL 11.
Islamabad United will have to surmount a peak to get the ticket to final 💥#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/Cs1bXmAKSW
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 28, 2026
Babar Azam’s masterclass
The Peshawar captain played a breathtaking knock of 103 runs off just 59 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and four towering sixes. He anchored the innings with composure while also accelerating when needed, scoring at a strike rate of 174.57.
Babar found solid support from Mohammad Haris, who smashed 35 off 16 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), putting up a rapid 72-run opening partnership. Kusal Mendis continued the momentum with a fluent 41 off 26 deliveries before falling to Faheem Ashraf.
𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐙𝐀𝐌 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀 𝐁𝐎𝐖 🫡
Hits a maximum to bring up yet another century 🥳#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/4O2O5MLLog
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 28, 2026
Middle-order jitters & late flourish
Despite the strong start, Zalmi experienced a mini-collapse in the middle overs. Shadab Khan struck twice in quick succession, removing Michael Bracewell (2) and Abdul Samad (0) off consecutive deliveries. Aaron Hardie contributed a brisk 20 off 10 before being adjudged lbw off Richard Gleeson.
However, Babar held one end firmly until his dismissal in the 19th over, caught by Mohsin Riaz off Salman Mirza. Khurram Shahzad added a fiery unbeaten 4 off just one ball, including a boundary, to push the total past 220.
Bowling highlights for United
Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 42 runs in his four overs, though he conceded six wides. Richard Gleeson took 2 for 45. Salman Mirza and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one wicket each, while Imad Wasim and Chris Green remained wicketless.
Shadab Khan takes back-to-back wickets as United look to fight back 👏🏻
Wait for that stunning grab from Faheem 😳#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/jEstQMF3A1
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 28, 2026
Chase ahead
With a required run rate of 11.10 per over, Islamabad United face a monumental task in the second innings. United will rely heavily on their openers Sameer Minhas and Andries Gous, along with captain Shadab Khan and experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim, to pull off a record chase and book a direct spot in the PSL 11 final.
The loser of this Qualifier will get another chance against the winner of the first eliminator.
