Babar Azam regains form as Zalmi build strong PSL momentum

Karachi: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam appears to have rediscovered his top form in the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), following focused training sessions and technical adjustments made after the T20 World Cup.

At the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, Zalmi held a key training session ahead of their Qualifier clash against Islamabad United. Under the guidance of head coach and former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, players underwent intensive practice as preparations intensified for the crucial match.

Babar Azam, who has led Zalmi from the front this season, has scored 485 runs in the league stage at an impressive average of 80.83 and a strike rate of 141.39. His consistent performances have played a major role in Zalmi winning eight out of ten matches.

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After struggling during the T20 World Cup, where he managed just 91 runs in six innings, Babar worked on his batting approach and regained confidence. According to Misbah-ul-Haq, the focus was not on learning new techniques but on correcting his natural game and “unlearning” forced adjustments.

Misbah explained that Babar was advised to rely on his natural timing, maintain shape, and play through gaps rather than forcing aggressive strokes. The results were evident when Babar scored an unbeaten century against Quetta Gladiators, marking his first T20 hundred in two years.

Zalmi’s strong batting lineup has also supported his return to form. Mohammad Haris has provided aggressive starts, while Kusal Mendis has been the standout performer with 500 runs at a strike rate of 170.64. Together, Babar and Mendis have formed a key partnership axis, adding stability and firepower to the team.

With a balanced top order and renewed confidence in their captain, Peshawar Zalmi now head into the PSL Qualifier aiming for a place in the final for the first time since 2021.