Babar Azam’s Masterclass and Ali Raza’s Pace Blitz Propel Peshawar Zalmi to Record Win

KARACHI – Peshawar Zalmi delivered a statement of intent at the National Bank Stadium, crushing the Quetta Gladiators by a massive 118 runs in Match 29. A flawless century from Babar Azam combined with a lethal bowling display left the Gladiators reeling in one of the most one-sided encounters of the season.‎

Zalmi’s Batting Powerhouse: Babar and Mendis Shine

Opting to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi put on a clinical display of power-hitting. Captain Babar Azam led from the front, smashing a majestic 100 not out, anchoring the innings with precision. He found a perfect partner in Kusal Mendis, who blazed his way to 83, dismantling the Quetta bowling attack.‎

‎A late cameo by Aaron Hardie (26*) ensured Zalmi reached a towering total of 255-3, setting a near-impossible target for the opposition.‎

The Collapse: Ali Raza and Basit Shred Quetta’s Top Order‎

The Gladiators’ chase never found its rhythm. The young pace sensation Ali Raza was the star with the ball, clocking impressive speeds and removing Hasan Nawaz in the final over of the powerplay. Quetta found themselves struggling at 42-3 within the first six overs.‎

Despite brief resistance from Bevon Jacobs (34) and Dinesh Chandimal (19), the Gladiators collapsed from 44-3 to 82-7. Ali Raza finished with incredible figures of 3-9 in 3.1 overs, while Mohammad Basit claimed 3-26.‎The innings eventually folded for 137 in 18.1 overs, handing Zalmi a dominant 118-run victory.

Summary

• Peshawar Zalmi: 255-3 (20 overs) | Babar Azam 100*, Kusal Mendis 83.‎
• Quetta Gladiators: 137 all out (18.1 overs) | Bevon Jacobs 34; Ali Raza 3-9, Basit 3-26.
• Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 118 runs.

Player of the Match: Babar Azam for his match-winning unbeaten century.‎