Babar Azam Shines in PSL 2026, Sets New Records
Babar Azam's Stellar Performance
Babar Azam has made a remarkable comeback in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, showcasing his talent while playing for Peshawar Zalmi. He delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 103 runs off 59 balls, leading his team to a decisive victory over Islamabad United. This marks Babar's second century in the PSL 2026, bringing his total runs to 588 in just 10 matches, placing him at the top of the season's run-scorers.
Prior to this tournament, Babar faced challenges, including being dropped from the T20 International squad. Although he was recalled for the T20 World Cup, his performance did not meet expectations, resulting in another drop. However, his recent success in the PSL is likely to reinstate him in the national team discussions.
Historic Milestone Achieved
Babar Azam Scripts History
With his century against Islamabad United, Babar Azam achieved a significant milestone, marking his 13th T20 century and the ninth as captain. He now ranks second only to Chris Gayle, who holds the record for the most T20 centuries with 22. Additionally, Babar's nine centuries as captain place him at the forefront of T20 captaincy records, surpassing Faf du Plessis, who had eight centuries.
Most Centuries As Captain
| Batsman | Centuries As Captain |
| Babar Azam | 9 |
| Faf Du Plessis | 8 |
| Michael Klinger | 7 |
| Virat Kohli | 5 |
| James Vince | 5 |
Peshawar Zalmi's Dominance
Peshawar Zalmi In Red Hot Form
Babar's impressive form has propelled Zalmi to the top of the league standings, securing a direct spot in the final. His innings helped the team set a formidable target of 221-7, while Islamabad United could only manage 151 runs, resulting in a 70-run defeat.
Post-match, Babar expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I’m starting to feel like I’m getting back to my best. I’m trying to keep things simple and trust my skills, executing my game according to the situation." He acknowledged the team's collective effort and emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming final. Zalmi is on the hunt for their second PSL title, having previously won in 2017.
Babar highlighted the significance of a strong start in the powerplay, which allows players to play freely and maintain the run rate. He praised his teammates for their contributions, particularly in bowling and fielding, and expressed confidence in their plans for the final.