PSL 2025: Babar Azam hits 1st Half Century in Peshawar Zalmi victory over Lahore Qalandars

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PSL 2025: Peshawar Zalmi dominated Lahore Qalandars in a one-sided encounter in match 14 of the Pakistan Super League 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Chasing a modest target of 129, Zalmi comfortably reached 133/3 in just 16.4 overs, clinching a 7-wicket win.

Babar Azam managed to hit his half-century of PSL 2025 after struggling early in the season but before that, Lahore Qalandars' batting unravelled. Sikandar Raza fought valiantly at the top, scoring 52 off 37 balls, but his effort was insufficient in the face of a relentless Peshawar Zalmi bowling attack.

Alzarri Joseph (3/16) and Luke Wood (2/25) were the key bowlers for Zalmi, causing constant problems for the Qalandars. Joseph's excellent wicket-maiden during the middle overs put Lahore's chase off track, while Wood's accuracy in the powerplay led to early wickets.

Despite Raza's half-century, Lahore never gained momentum, as the top-order fell quickly. The innings ended in chaos, with a mix-up leading to a run-out in the final over, and Raza being dismissed as Zalmi's bowlers maintained tight control. The Qalandars finished their innings at 128 all out in 19.3 overs.

Peshawar Zalmi's chase began with early jitters, losing two wickets in the first few overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/22) set the tone with a superb spell, removing both Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore early on. However, Babar Azam (56*) and Mohammad Haris (8) kept the scoreboard ticking with a series of singles, while Babar showed his class with a glorious cover drive for four off Asif Afridi. At the end of the powerplay, Zalmi were 28/2, needing 102 more runs from 96 balls.

Despite the pressure, Babar remained calm, and his partnership with Hussain Talat (51*) grew stronger. Talat played a crucial role in accelerating the chase, smashing a top-edged four over the keeper off Haris Rauf. The two kept the required run rate under control, with Babar's steady knock bringing up his fifty and Talat's aggressive stroke play lighting up the final stages of the game.

Zalmi took charge after the 10-over mark, with the required run rate hovering around 6 runs per over. Talat launched a six over midwicket off Asif Afridi, bringing up the fifty-run partnership. In the 14th over, Talat launched another big six, while Babar elegantly flicked his way to his half-century with a fine shot to fine leg. By the 16th over, Zalmi only needed 6 runs to win, and Talat finished the match in style, striking two boundaries off Rauf to seal the victory.

Peshawar Zalmi's 7-wicket win was built on a composed chase and a clinical bowling performance. Despite the early breakthroughs, Babar and Talat's partnership guided them to an easy win, with 21 balls to spare. This victory strengthens Zalmi's position in the PSL 2025, as they look forward to maintaining their momentum in the coming matches.