"Hitting Haters Where It Hurts": Fans Surprised As Babar Azam Hits Hundred In PSL Playoffs

Fans react to Babar Azam PSL century [Source: X]

The PSL 2026 season turned on its head as Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam slammed a blazing century against Islamabad United in the Qualifier contest held at the National Stadium in Karachi.

After the United opted to field first, Mohammad Haris and Babar stitched a 72-run opening partnership. While wickets fell from the other end, the Zalmi captain anchored his end and scored a big knock.

Babar Azam scores blazing century in PSL qualifier

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam anchored the innings with a brilliant hundred as he finished with 103 off 59 balls, including 12 fours and 4 sixes. He maintained a 174.58 strike rate as well.

This was a captain’s knock under playoff pressure, pacing the innings perfectly from start to finish. Apart from a 72-run stand with Haris, Babar also accumulated 84 runs with Kusal Mendis. These two phases set up the 200+ total for Peshawar Zalmi. 

Meanwhile, the century marked a big moment in Babar Azam’s career. After struggling with strike rate, he was dropped from Pakistan’s T20I side and was constantly criticised by fans for ruining the format.

However, Babar Azam made a comeback and in style as he reached his hundred with a six, thus shutting down the strike rate critics.

Fans on social media also loved Babar Azam as they appreciated his knock with positive messages.

Talha Nawaz

@TalhaDigital007

👑 KING BABAR AZAM 👑 T20 Career: 13 Centuries 💯PSL: 4 Centuries 🔥 Consistency + Class = Babar Azam But he is not a T20 player. 103*(57) Today⬇️

Apr 28, 2026, 9:02 PM

cricket

@CricketTVHD1

Babar azam completed his 100 with a huge six warra innings we are sooooo freaking back shut up call to all the kute journalist #HBLPSL #newera #kingbabarazam

Qazi Osama

@qazi_usama_

Babar Azam you cannot fool us again, No matter how much you score in these useless games . We’re familiar with your real game. #PSL #BabarAzam #PZvsIU

Fayaz Mohmand

@MMD_Patriot

Babar Azam is slapping again and again on Aaquib and mike hesson face. #BabarAzam #PZvIS #PSL11

dusky and ambivert.

@shaylahocain

Babar azam ki century Pakistan cricket ke liye achi baat nahi. 😭

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Peshawar Zalmi finish with a 221-run total

Meanwhile, Babar Azam played a captain’s knock and found strong support from Kusal Mendis, who added 41 off 26 balls, with their 84-run partnership in the middle overs proving decisive in maintaining momentum and keeping the scoring rate consistently high.

Despite a brief wobble where Peshawar Zalmi lost a couple of quick wickets, the late push from Aaron Hardie ensured the innings finished on a high. 

Hardie’s unbeaten 20 off just 10 balls provided the finishing touch, taking the total well past the 200-mark and putting Islamabad under immense pressure in a high-stakes knockout clash. 

At the end of the first 20 overs, the Zalmi had 221 runs on the board, which appeared an above-par total on the Karachi Stadium surface. 

Shadab Khan shines for Islamabad United

On the other hand, Shadab Khan was the standout performer for Islamabad United with three wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza chipped in with one each. 

However, the overall bowling effort lacked control, particularly in the death overs, leaving them with a daunting chase of 214 to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. 

The winner of the Qualifier 1 game will directly play the PSL 2026 finals, whereas the loser will get a chance to compete again in the Eliminator 2 game, which is scheduled on May 1 at Lahore.

Also Read - Babar Azam Erupts PSL Crowd; Brings Up Stylish Century With A 6