Babar Azam produced a record-breaking innings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scoring an unbeaten 100 runs off 52 balls for Peshawar Zalmi against Quetta Gladiators on Sunday night. This marked his third century in the PSL and the 12th T20 century of his career, placing him among the most prolific century-makers in the format, alongside Chris Gayle.
The innings was notable not only for the milestone but also for its statistical precision. Babar faced 52 deliveries and registered just one dot ball, the lowest recorded in any T20 innings of 50 or more balls. He maintained a strike rate of 192 throughout his knock.
Opening the batting for Peshawar Zalmi, Babar began cautiously. He scored 1 run from his first over and added 7 runs from three balls in the second. He gradually settled into rhythm, reaching his half-century in 31 balls. Earlier in the same tournament, he had already registered unbeaten scores of 87 and 71, underlining consistent form.
The century was completed on the final ball of the innings. At 98 not out, Babar drove a delivery from Alzarri Joseph towards long-on and completed the second run with a dive to reach three figures.
His innings included 4 sixes and 6 fours. In addition, he scored through running between the wickets with 9 twos and one three, while the remainder of his runs came in singles. Out of 52 deliveries faced, he scored off 51, with only one dot ball recorded in the 14th over when he left a bouncer bowled at 146.7 km/h by Alzarri Joseph.
Peshawar Zalmi posted a commanding total of 255 for 3 in their 20 overs. In response, Quetta Gladiators were bowled out for 137, resulting in a comprehensive 118-run victory for Zalmi.
Babar Azam’s innings summary
| Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Runs | 100* |
| Balls faced | 52 |
| Fours | 6 |
| Sixes | 4 |
| Half-century | 31 balls |
| Dot balls | 1 |
| Balls with runs | 51 |
This performance added another landmark to Babar Azam’s T20 career, reinforcing his position among the leading century-makers in the format while contributing to a dominant team victory in the PSL.