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Babar Azam, the Pakistani cricket superstar, ignited the Pakistan Super League with a breathtaking century that led Peshawar Zalmi to their first thrilling victory of the season against Islamabad United.
Playing at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Babar unleashed a masterclass in batting, carving an unbeaten 111 runs off just 63 deliveries. His innings, a whirlwind of 14 boundaries and 2 sixes, served as the cornerstone of Peshawar’s competitive total of 201/5. He displayed an array of strokes, by effortlessly manipulating the bowling attack and leaving them bewildered. His dominance at the crease was able to put immense pressure on the United bowlers, who simply couldn’t find a way to dismiss him.
Islamabad United, despite valiant efforts from Colin Munro (71) and Azam Khan (75), fell agonizingly short. Legspinner Arif Yaqoob starred for Peshawar, claiming four crucial wickets to destabilize the United chase. Despite the best efforts of Shadab Khan’s men, Zalmi held their nerve in a tense final over. In the end, the eight-run victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the Peshawar Zalmi camp as they finally broke their winless streak.
Babar Azam’s phenomenal century earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. It served as a powerful reminder of his batting genius and leadership qualities. This win has breathed new life into Peshawar Zalmi’s PSL campaign, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable tournament.
Adding another layer of significance to his performance, Babar revealed in a post-match interview that this match held a special place in his heart as it was the first time his mother had ever witnessed him play live. “My mother came to watch me for the first time. She’s very happy, she enjoyed my innings,” he shared.
This revelation resonated deeply with fans, humanizing the cricketing superstar and showcasing the universal language of love and support between a mother and her son. It served as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes hold onto the simple joys of sharing their success with loved ones, making Babar’s triumph all the more heartwarming.
