Babar Azam's Record-Breaking Century Leads Peshawar Zalmi to Victory

Babar Azam delivered an outstanding performance in the PSL 2026, scoring a rapid century that propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding victory over Quetta Gladiators. His remarkable innings featured a record number of runs with minimal dot balls, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. This match not only highlighted Babar's ability to adapt his game but also tied him with other legends for the most centuries in PSL history. Read on to explore the details of this thrilling encounter and Babar's impressive achievements.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 00:26 IST

Babar Azam Shines with a Century Against Quetta Gladiators

In a thrilling match on April 19 at Karachi's National Stadium, star batsman Babar Azam achieved a remarkable century off just 52 balls while playing for Peshawar Zalmi against Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2026. This impressive feat marked his third century in the PSL, tying him with Usman Khan, Kamran Akmal, and Rilee Rossouw for the most centuries in the tournament's history. Notably, this was also Babar's fastest century in the PSL, showcasing his exceptional control as he faced only one dot ball throughout his innings. He skillfully navigated a bouncer from Alzarri Joseph on the last ball of the 14th over, but otherwise, he scored off every delivery, leading Zalmi to a formidable total of 255 for three. Babar's achievement is particularly significant as no player in T20 history has faced 50 or more balls in an innings with just one or fewer dot balls. He reached his fifty in just 31 balls without encountering a single dot ball.

Despite facing criticism for his batting style in T20 cricket, especially regarding his strike rate and ability to accelerate, Babar's performance on Sunday was a testament to his skill and adaptability. His approach has often been scrutinized, but he demonstrated a refreshing freedom and intent from the very beginning of his innings.

Babar Azam's Century Fuels Zalmi's Triumph Over Gladiators

From the outset, Babar was determined to keep the scoreboard ticking, applying constant pressure on the bowlers. His exceptional ability to rotate the strike, combined with precise shot placement and aggressive running between the wickets, minimized the impact of dot balls during his innings. The blend of traditional strokeplay with modern T20 techniques was particularly impressive. He adeptly maneuvered the ball around the square, drove through the covers, and converted singles into twos with finesse.

As the innings progressed, Babar seamlessly shifted gears. He confidently tackled spin bowlers, clearing the boundary with powerful straight shots and slog sweeps, while also displaying strength against pace. His partnership with Kusal Mendis was pivotal, as they combined for a 135-run stand for the second wicket, laying a solid foundation for Zalmi. Furthermore, Babar equaled Virat Kohli's record for the most century partnerships in T20 cricket, with 47, underscoring his consistent brilliance.