Peshawar Zalmi booked their place in the PSL 2026 final with a commanding 70-run win over Islamabad United in the Qualifier, powered by a superb century from Babar Azam and a decisive all-round effort from Aaron Hardie. The result sends Zalmi into their first final since 2021, while Islamabad will now head to Eliminator 2 for another chance to reach the title clash.
Babar Anchors Dominant Total
Zalmi capitalised on favourable conditions in Karachi to post an imposing 221 for 7. Babar Azam led from the front, compiling a brilliant 103 off 59 balls, striking 12 fours and four sixes to anchor the innings throughout.
Mohammad Haris provided early momentum with a rapid 35 from 16 deliveries, sharing a 72-run opening stand with Babar in just 38 balls. Zalmi raced to 68 in the powerplay, their highest return in that phase this season.
Following Haris’ dismissal, Babar continued to control the innings alongside Kusal Mendis. The pair added 84 runs for the second wicket, maintaining a strong scoring rate through the middle overs. Mendis contributed 41 off 26 balls before falling in the 15th over.
Shadab Khan briefly checked Zalmi’s progress by removing Michael Bracewell and Abdul Samad in consecutive deliveries, but the momentum remained with Zalmi. Babar reached his century in the 18th over, taking his tally to 588 runs for the season, equalling the highest run aggregate in a single PSL edition. Hardie’s late 20 off 10 balls pushed the total beyond 220.
Islamabad’s Chase Falls Away
Islamabad United began their chase with Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas adding 58 runs inside the first five overs. However, the innings lost direction once Conway was dismissed for 20 and Sameer followed for 44 off 23 balls in the ninth over.
From a promising 81 for 2, Islamabad slipped rapidly to 114 for 7 as Zalmi’s bowlers seized control. Hardie and Sufiyan Muqeem struck regularly during the middle overs, leaving the lower order with a steep task.
Imad Wasim contributed 22, but Islamabad were eventually bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs. Hardie finished with figures of 3 for 24, while Muqeem claimed 2 for 25.
Zalmi March into Final
With this win, Peshawar Zalmi secure their place in the final in Lahore, carrying strong momentum into the title clash. Their consistent performances throughout the tournament have made them a formidable side heading into the decider.
Brief Scores:
Peshawar Zalmi 221/7 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 103; Shadab Khan 3-42) beat Islamabad United 151 in 18.4 overs (Sameer Minhas 44; Aaron Hardie 3-24) by 70 runs.
