KARACHI: A commanding unbeaten century by Babar Azam and a blistering half-century from Kusal Mendis propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a formidable 255-3 against Quetta Gladiators in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Put in to bat after Quetta captain Saud Shakeel opted to field, Zalmi made full use of the conditions to post one of the highest totals of the tournament.
𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 @babarazam258 🔥
Composure, grit, and brilliance, an unforgettable knock 💛#RiseofZalmi #Zalmi #YellowStorm #ZalmiXGTRTyres #PZvQG pic.twitter.com/qDp4BakvhO
— Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) April 19, 2026
Zalmi began aggressively, with Mohammad Haris smashing a quick 16 as the side raced to 30 runs in just 1.3 overs.
However, Alzarri Joseph provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Haris to halt the initial surge.
Kusal Mendis then joined Babar Azam at the crease, and the pair took control of the innings with fluent stroke play and consistent scoring.
The duo stitched together a commanding 135-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Quetta’s bowling attack under sustained pressure.
Both batters brought up their third half-centuries of the ongoing PSL season during the stand.
Mendis was eventually dismissed for 83 off 44 balls, an innings featuring 10 fours and three sixes, when Usman Tariq struck at the start of the 15th over.
Following Mendis’s departure, Babar continued to anchor the innings. He added 24 runs with Farhan Yousaf, who scored a brisk 19 off eight deliveries.
Babar then combined with Aaron Hardie to accelerate in the final overs. The pair put on an unbeaten 66-run stand, ensuring a powerful finish.
Babar reached his third PSL century on the final ball of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 100 off 52 deliveries, including six fours and four sixes. Hardie contributed a quickfire 26 off 10 balls, striking three sixes.
Quetta’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, with only Abrar Ahmed, Alzarri Joseph and Usman Tariq managing to take one wicket each.
