Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Babar Azam is not just scoring runs again; he is also answering his critics. After a turbulent 2026 T20 World Cup, in which Pakistan crashed out in the Super 8s and Babar came under intense scrutiny for a Powerplay strike rate that dipped below 100, the batter has found form again in the yellow of Peshawar Zalmi. On Tuesday night at the National Stadium in Karachi, he dismantled Islamabad United in the Qualifier to send his side into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026.
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The Zalmi captain’s second century of the season was a much-improved display of T20 pacing. His 103 off 59 deliveries, which included 12 fours and four sixes, carried Peshawar to 221/7. In the process, Babar moved to 588 runs for the tournament, equalling the all-time record for the most runs in a single PSL edition.
He also became only the second batter after Usman Khan to score two centuries in the same PSL season. With his fourth century in the league, Babar now stands alone at the top of the all-time list of centurions.
However, it was his post-match reflection that stood out. “I’m starting to feel like I’m getting back to my best,” Babar said, with a quiet confidence that had seemed absent during his recent international struggles.
“I’m trying to keep things simple and trust my skills, and just execute my game according to the situation — what the pitch demands, how to handle different bowlers, and when to attack,” he added, shedding light on his improved form.
The contrast with his World Cup form is sharp. Earlier this year, Babar managed only 91 runs in six matches during Pakistan’s disappointing campaign, which led to his temporary removal from the ODI set-up and renewed questions about his fitness and relevance in T20 cricket.
Critics had labelled him a burden in a format moving towards high-velocity aggression. Yet this PSL season suggests Babar has adapted. His strike rate in the Qualifier, 174.58, showed he can still accelerate when the situation demands it.
“The hard work I put in before the PSL is helping now,” he said. “While things weren’t the same earlier, they are starting to come back and I want to keep this consistency going.”
With Islamabad United then bowled out for 151 in reply, Peshawar Zalmi sealed a 70-run win and reached the final for the first time in five seasons. The innings, the numbers and Babar’s own words together marked a return to form after a difficult international campaign.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
