KARACHI, April 28, 2026 — Peshawar Zalmi stormed into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) after defeating Islamabad United by a commanding 70 runs at National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
A sensational century from captain Babar Azam laid the foundation for Zalmi’s dominant victory, followed by a disciplined bowling display that dismantled Islamabad United’s batting lineup. The comprehensive win secured Zalmi a direct spot in the final of the eight-team tournament, reinforcing their status as title contenders.
Chasing a daunting target of 222, Islamabad United faltered despite a promising start and were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs. Openers Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas gave United early momentum with a 58-run stand, but Conway’s dismissal in the fifth over shifted the balance.
Minhas continued to attack and top-scored with a brisk 44 off 23 balls, but wickets fell regularly at the other end. Contributions from Mohsin Riaz (25) and a brief cameo by skipper Shadab Khan were not enough to stabilize the innings as Zalmi’s bowlers tightened their grip.
All-rounder Aaron Hardie led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/24, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit claimed two wickets each. The middle-order collapse proved decisive as United slumped from 100/4 to 126/8 within a few overs, effectively ending their hopes.
Earlier, Zalmi posted a formidable total of 221/7 after being put in to bat. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a masterclass, scoring 103 off 59 deliveries, including 12 fours and four sixes. It marked his fourth century in PSL history and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Zalmi got off to a flying start, with Babar and Mohammad Haris adding 72 runs for the opening wicket. Haris smashed a quick 35 off 16 balls before being dismissed by Shadab Khan.
Babar then built a crucial 84-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, who contributed 41 runs. Despite a brief wobble in the middle overs, Babar held firm and accelerated towards the end, reaching his century in the 18th over.
Late cameos from Aaron Hardie further boosted Zalmi’s total, pushing it beyond the 220 mark. For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 3/42, while Richard Gleeson took two wickets.
With this victory, Peshawar Zalmi advance to the PSL 11 final, while Islamabad United will now face the winner of the Eliminator clash in a must-win match to keep their title hopes alive.