Karachi, April 19, 2026: A sensational unbeaten century by Babar Azam, complemented by a blistering half-century from Kusal Mendis, propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a massive 255/3 against Quetta Gladiators in the 29th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to field first, Quetta skipper Saud Shakeel saw his decision backfire as Zalmi’s batting lineup dominated from the outset, piling up one of the highest totals of the season.
Zalmi made a flying start, with Mohammad Haris smashing a quick 16 to help his side race to 30 in just 1.3 overs before Alzarri Joseph provided the breakthrough by dismissing him on the very next ball.
Following the early setback, Mendis joined Babar at the crease, and the pair took control of the innings with a commanding 135-run partnership for the second wicket. Both batters notched up their third half-centuries of the tournament during the stand, keeping the Gladiators’ bowlers under constant pressure.
The partnership was eventually broken by Usman Tariq in the 15th over, removing Mendis after a superb 83 off 44 balls, which included 10 fours and three sixes.
Babar then stitched together a quick 24-run stand with youngster Farhan Yousaf, who chipped in with an aggressive 19 off just eight deliveries.
In the final overs, Babar found another reliable partner in Aaron Hardie, as the duo added an unbeaten 66 runs to provide a strong finish. Babar brought up his third PSL century on the final ball of the innings, finishing with a commanding 100 not out off 52 deliveries, featuring six fours and four sixes. Hardie contributed a quickfire 26 off 10 balls, striking three sixes.
For Quetta, Abrar Ahmed, Joseph, and Usman Tariq claimed one wicket each, but the bowlers struggled overall to contain Zalmi’s aggressive batting display.
The imposing total sets up a challenging chase for Quetta Gladiators in what promises to be a high-scoring encounter.
