Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, rewrote the record books with a breathtaking batting display, posting a massive 255/3 against Quetta Gladiators in Match 29 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
The 2017 champions delivered one of the most dominant batting performances in PSL history, powered by Babar’s unbeaten century and a game-defining partnership with Kusal Mendis.
Zalmi Register Historic Total
Zalmi’s 255/3 is now:
- The highest total at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium
- The highest-ever total by Peshawar Zalmi
- The third-highest total in PSL history
Highest Totals in PSL History:
- Quetta Gladiators – 263/3 (2025)
- Multan Sultans – 262/3 (2023)
- Peshawar Zalmi – 255/3 (2026)
- Quetta Gladiators – 253/8 (2023)
- Islamabad United – 251/5 (2025)
Babar Azam’s Record-Breaking Century
Babar Azam produced a captain’s knock of the highest quality, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 52 balls featuring six fours and four sixes.
This innings mark:
- His fastest century in PSL history
- His return to form after a long wait
- A statement performance amid recent scrutiny
Landmark Partnership with Mendis
Babar stitched a 135-run partnership for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis, which laid the foundation for the massive total.
That stand also helped Babar achieve another major milestone — equaling Virat Kohli’s record for the most century-plus partnerships in T20 cricket.
Most 100+ Partnerships in T20s:
- Virat Kohli – 47
- Babar Azam – 47
- Chris Gayle – 46
- David Warner – 45
- Faf du Plessis – 40
Closing in on T20 Greats
Babar’s century also pushed him further up the all-time list of T20 hundreds. He now has 12 T20 centuries, moving closer to the record held by Chris Gayle (22).
After a gap of two years and 67 innings without a T20 hundred, this knock marked a significant comeback for the Pakistan star.
Babar Responds to Critics
Reflecting on his innings, Babar said:
“You are relieved on the inside when you achieve something… There was a lot of hard work behind it. I had self-belief.”
Having faced questions over his strike rate and role in T20 cricket, this innings served as a strong response, reaffirming his class and ability at the highest level.
A Statement Performance
This innings was more than just a century — it was a reminder of Babar Azam’s stature in world cricket. With records tumbling and confidence restored, Zalmi’s captain has firmly re-established himself as a central figure in PSL 11 and beyond.
