Home Sports PSL X Babar Azam Achieves Major PSL Landmark Against Lahore Qalandars

Babar Azam Achieves Major PSL Landmark Against Lahore Qalandars

May 19, 2025

When you think of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), certain names instantly come to mind — and Babar Azam is undoubtedly at the very top of that list. On Sunday night, the Peshawar Zalmi skipper added a massive feather to his already decorated cap: he became the first-ever player in PSL history to play 100 matches.

Now that’s a milestone worthy of celebration. But unfortunately, the night didn’t end with fireworks — at least not the kind Zalmi fans were hoping for.

A Century of Matches: Babar’s PSL Journey

Let’s rewind the clock for a bit. Babar Azam made his PSL debut with Islamabad United back in the league’s very first edition. He wasn’t the global star he is today — just a young, elegant batter with a calm demeanour and silky cover drives.

He won the title in that debut season but moved on to Karachi Kings, where he spent five fruitful years, including a memorable title-winning campaign in 2020.

Fast forward to 2023, and in one of the biggest trades in PSL history, Babar switched over to Peshawar Zalmi, taking over the captaincy and the expectations that came with it.

Across his 100 PSL matches, Babar has compiled:

3792 runs — the most in PSL history
An average of 44.95 — incredibly consistent
2 centuries and 36 half-centuries

That’s not just a stat sheet — that’s a legacy. While T20 is often seen as a format for explosive hitting, Babar has shown time and again that class and timing still rule.

The 100th Game: A Night to Forget

Unfortunately, the night that was supposed to be all about Babar’s milestone turned into a bitter pill for Zalmi fans.

Taking on Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Zalmi were chasing a stiff 150 in 13 overs — yes, rain had its say and shortened the game.

Babar started with intent, smashing three crisp boundaries, but fell to Sikandar Raza for just 16 off 13 balls. And with that, the wheels began to fall off.

From 42/4 in 5.3 overs, Zalmi never recovered. They ended with 123/8, crashing out of PSL 10 and, for the first time ever, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

The All-Time PSL Appearances Chart

Here’s how the top five stack up in terms of PSL appearances:

Babar Azam (IU/KK/PZ) – 100 matches
Imad Wasim (KK/IU) – 98 matches
Fakhar Zaman (LQ) – 94 matches
Mohammad Rizwan (KK/LQ/MS) – 93 matches
Rilee Rossouw (MS/QG) – 93 matches

Longevity in a T20 league speaks to fitness, form, and above all, consistency. Babar’s presence on top of that list reflects not just his talent but also his discipline.

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