PSL Umpiring Blunder Gives Babar Azam Lifeline To Slam Record Century In Qualifier

Babar Azam gets a lifeline [Source: X and AFP]Umpiring blunders have become part and parcel of T20 cricket now. Despite having some of the most advanced technology at their disposal, multiple such incidents have occurred in the ongoing IPL 2026 and the Pakistan Super League 2026. Accounting for a similar incident during the Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United clash on April 28, a DRS review went in favour of Zalmi skipper Babar Azam despite suspicions that he was clearly dismissed while reviewing the replays. Incidentally, Babar Azam was appealed for a huge LBW. However, the third umpire, while checking the UltraEdge, found that Babar's bat struck the ball before it crashed onto the pads. DRS Review Saves Babar in Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United As Babar scored a solid 103 off 59 deliveries in the Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United clash, a dismissal in the early stages of the match from Shadab Khan could have broken the skipper’s dream of yet another century in PSL 2026. During the penultimate ball of the ninth over, Shadab Khan bowled a googly that landed full and around middle. As Babar Azam leaned forward to go across the ball and flick it, he missed it, and the ball crashed onto his pads. Also Read- Babar Azam Erupts PSL Crowd; Brings Up Stylish Century With A 6A huge appeal was made on the field, with the third umpire being called in straight away. During the review, the UltraEdge showed a very, very thin spike when the ball passed the bat, almost negligible.Saad @CricContent_ Interesting decision. Apr 28, 2026, 8:15 PM In earlier incidents, it has been observed that such very small spikes are caused by the noise of air when the bat is whipped or due to any ornaments the batter wears.Although the spike was negligible and could have been avoided, the third umpire decided to go in favour of Babar Azam and ruled that the ball had an inside edge before crashing onto the pads, simply giving Babar a lifeline in the match. Babar Creates PSL History After Lifeline The Islamabad United camp was severely unhappy with the decision, but Babar, who was then on 43 off 29 balls, got a chance to complete his fifty in the 12th over from 38 deliveries and later produced a breathtaking display to score a heroic century off just 57 deliveries. Along with his century, Babar Azam scored the most centuries ever by a batter in the PSL tournament. His four-century record now matches Usman Khan’s four tons, while Fakhar Zaman follows with three centuries. However, the question still remains about the umpiring blunder that might have ignored an LBW decision, costing Islamabad United dearly as they were set a target of 222 runs in Qualifier 1 of PSL 2026. Babar & Co. Tear Into Islamabad United Apart from Babar Azam, in the Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United clash, Mohammad Haris contributed with a 16-ball 35, alongside Kusal Mendis’ 26-ball 41, helping Peshawar Zalmi post a formidable total. The most expensive bowler from Islamabad’s camp was Faheem Ashraf, who took one wicket but leaked 36 runs in his three-over spell. Richard Gleeson conceded the most runs, giving away 45, although he picked up two wickets from his four overs.Also Read- "Hitting Haters Where It Hurts": Fans Surprised As Babar Azam Hits Hundred In PSL Playoffs