Peshawar Zalmi 255/3 (Babar 100*, Mendis 83) beat Quetta Gladiators 137 all out by 118 runs

Peshawar Zalmi delivered a commanding performance to dismantle Quetta Gladiators, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from Babar Azam, who rolled back the years with a match-defining knock.

Babar’s 52-ball hundred his 12th in T20 cricket came off the final delivery of Zalmi’s innings, guiding his side to a massive total of 255/3, the highest of the tournament. His innings proved decisive as Quetta never looked in contention during the chase.

After being put into bat, Zalmi got off to a blistering start, with Mohammad Haris taking 22 runs off the opening over. Following his quick cameo, Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis took control of the innings.

The duo stitched together a dominant 135 run partnership in just 75 balls, dismantling the Gladiators’ bowling attack. Mendis continued his fine form with a fluent 83 off 44 deliveries, while Babar anchored the innings before accelerating late.

Babar reached his half-century without facing a dot ball and then shifted gears dramatically, smashing 37 runs off his final 12 balls. His late surge ensured he reached the milestone on the last ball, capping off a remarkable innings.

Chasing a daunting 256, Quetta Gladiators faltered from the outset and never recovered. Early breakthroughs put them on the back foot, with Mohammad Basit removing key batters Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw in quick succession.

Young pacer Ali Raza emerged as the standout performer, bowling with impressive pace and control. The 18 year-old claimed 3 for 9, consistently troubling the Gladiators’ batting lineup.

Despite a brief resistance from Bevon Jacobs, who top-scored with 34, Quetta were bundled out for just 137, handing Zalmi a comprehensive 118-run victory.

The emphatic win not only strengthened Zalmi’s position but also delivered a significant boost to their net run rate in a tightly contested points table.

With both bat and ball firing, Peshawar Zalmi have firmly established themselves as one of the strongest contenders heading into the final stages of the tournament.