Peshawar Zalmi stormed into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final with a commanding 70-run win over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at National Bank Stadium powered by a sensational century from captain Babar Azam.
Babar delivered a masterclass, scoring a stunning 103 off 59 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, registering his fourth PSL century and guiding Zalmi to a formidable 221-7.
He was well supported by Mohammad Haris, who blasted 35 off 16 balls, and Kusal Mendis, who contributed a fluent 41, as Zalmi dominated proceedings with the bat.
In response, Islamabad started aggressively with Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas adding 58 in quick time, but their momentum faded after regular wickets derailed the chase.
Aaron Hardie (3-24) and Sufyan Moqim led the bowling effort as Islamabad collapsed to 151 all out in 18.4 overs.
With this victory, Zalmi reached their first PSL final in five years, while Islamabad United will have another opportunity to qualify through Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Babar’s century also saw him climb to the top of the tournament’s run charts, equalling the record for most runs in a single PSL season and reinforcing his dominance in the competition.
