Babar Azam’s Record-Breaking Performance in PSL 2026
On Thursday, April 9, Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi faced the Karachi Kings in match number 17 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match turned out to be a dominant display from Zalmi, as they secured a massive victory by 159 runs.
The team came into the game with momentum after a previous win against the Hyderabad Kingsmen. In their innings, Peshawar Zalmi set a challenging target of 146 runs. This was achieved thanks to an explosive 52-ball 109 from Kusal Mendis and a stellar unbeaten 87 from Babar Azam. Their batting performance was instrumental in laying the foundation for a comprehensive win.
In response, the Karachi Kings struggled to keep up with the pressure. Peshawar Zalmi’s bowling attack delivered a masterclass, dismissing the Kings for just 87 runs in 16.1 overs. This crushing defeat highlighted the effectiveness of Zalmi’s strategy and the strength of their all-round performance.
A Milestone for Babar Azam
During this impressive victory, Babar Azam reached a significant milestone. The 31-year-old made history with his unbeaten 87 off 51 balls, which included 10 fours and 2 sixes. With this performance, he became the fastest player to score 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, surpassing legends like Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle.
Babar Azam achieved this remarkable feat in just 338 innings, breaking Chris Gayle’s previous record of 343 innings. Virat Kohli now ranks third, having taken 360 innings to reach the same milestone.
Before the match, Babar needed just 13 runs to hit the landmark, and he reached it in the fourth over. Additionally, he became only the second Pakistani batter to achieve this, following in the footsteps of Shoaib Malik.
A Display of Talent and Consistency
Once again, Babar Azam showcased his exceptional talent with a match-winning performance for Peshawar Zalmi. His record-breaking achievement and strong innings not only led the team to a significant victory over Karachi Kings but also underscored his consistency in T20 cricket.
This performance has given him a boost of confidence as the tournament progresses. Babar Azam continues to prove that he is one of the most reliable and skilled players in the T20 format.
Key Highlights from the Match
- Batting Dominance: Kusal Mendis played a crucial role with his 109 off 52 balls, while Babar Azam remained unbeaten with 87.
- Bowling Excellence: Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers restricted Karachi Kings to 87 runs in 16.1 overs.
- Milestone Achievement: Babar Azam became the fastest to reach 12,000 T20 runs, breaking Chris Gayle’s record.
- Historic Moment: He is only the second Pakistani batter to achieve this feat, following Shoaib Malik.
