Peshawar Zalmi Vs Islamabad United, PSL 2026 Qualifier 1: Babar Azam's Century Power PSZ Into Final

In a masterclass of T20 batting, Peshawar Zalmi secured their place in the PSL 2026 final with a comprehensive 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The match was defined by a historic performance from Zalmi captain Babar Azam, whose third century of the tournament propelled his team to a mammoth total.

After being invited to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi posted an imposing 221/7. The foundation was laid by an explosive opening stand between Mohammad Haris (35 off 16) and Babar Azam, who raced to 68 without loss in the powerplay.

Babar remained the anchor and aggressor throughout, smashing a scintillating 103 off 59 balls, including 12 boundaries and four maximums. He was well-supported by Kusal Mendis (41), helping Zalmi breach the 200-run mark despite a triple-wicket haul from Islamabad skipper Shadab Khan.

Check out the highlights of the match here.

Islamabad United’s response began with great intent, reaching 50 runs in just under four overs behind Sameer Minhas (44 off 23) and Devon Conway. However, the momentum shifted once the field spread. Zalmi’s bowling unit, led by Aaron Hardie (3/24) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2/25), systematically dismantled the United middle order.

From a promising start, Islamabad collapsed under the mounting required rate, losing five wickets for just 13 runs at one stage. They were eventually bundled out for 151 in 18.4 overs. While Peshawar heads straight to the final, Islamabad United will face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for one last shot at the trophy.

Peshawar Zalmi Vs Islamabad United, PSL 2026: Toss Update

Islamabad United have won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Peshawar Zalmi Vs Islamabad United, PSL 2026: Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Babar Azam(c), Kusal Mendis(w), Michael Bracewell, Farhan Yousaf, Aaron Hardie, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Khurram Shahzad, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit

Islamabad United: Devon Conway(w), Sameer Minhas, Mohsin Riaz, Shadab Khan(c), Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Salman Mirza

Peshawar Zalmi Vs Islamabad United, PSL 2026: Streaming Details

The Qualifier 1 match of PSL 2026 between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi will not be televised in India due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.