Babar Azam’s PSL resurgence leads Peshawar Zalmi to 2026 final

Babar Azam has rediscovered his top form in PSL 2026, scoring 588 runs and leading Peshawar Zalmi to the final.

Speculation over Babar's absence Questions arose about Babar Azam’s dedication after he pulled out of the National T20 Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board initially included him in Lahore’s squad only to remove his name later, adding to the uncertainty. National selector Aaqib Javed later clarified that Babar was recovering at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, though the exact nature of his injury remained undisclosed. ## PSL performance revival Babar’s PSL 2026 performances have been crucial in keeping his international career on track. He has scored 588 runs at an average of 84.00 and a strike rate of 146.26, making him the highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history with over 4,000 runs. Only Fakhar Zaman had previously scored 588 runs in a single season, but Babar achieved it in fewer innings. His 15 sixes and 60 fours have set new personal records for a PSL campaign. ## Zalmi’s path to the final Peshawar Zalmi secured their place in the 2026 PSL final with a 70-run win over Islamabad United in the Qualifier. This marks their first final appearance since 2021 and the first time Babar Azam will lead a team to a PSL final. His second century of the season, scored off 57 balls, was instrumental in the victory. This is only the second time in PSL history that a batter has hit two centuries in a single season. ## Babar reflects on recovery "There are ups and downs in life and things do not play out the way you want them to," Babar said after the win. "Every day is different. I try to focus on what is in my control, which is my hard work and training. I have tried to improve myself by staying within my game. Time teaches you, as the elders say, and I have learnt with time. You get stronger mentally and feel good about yourself when you rise after a fall." He emphasized focusing on controllable aspects like effort and preparation rather than external factors. ## Coaches highlight key adjustments Zalmi head coach Otis Gibson advised Babar to focus on his strengths and block out distractions. Batting coach Misbah-ul-Haq explained how Babar adjusted his technique to regain form. "When a batter, who is a timer of the ball, starts to hit the ball hard, he starts losing his shape," Misbah noted. "Your front shoulder opens earlier and you don't have power to hit through the offside and even down the ground or to the leg side. Maintaining shape helps in timing the ball on merit and that was the adjustment [I worked on with Babar]." ## Dominance against spin bowling Babar has thrived against spin in PSL 2026, scoring 325 of his 588 runs against spinners at a strike rate of 156.25. His adaptability was evident against Shadab Khan, whom he attacked with lofted shots over extra cover and slog sweeps. He also punished Imad Wasim with a powerful drive down the ground, showcasing his improved ability to target gaps. Against Quetta Gladiators, he recorded his fastest PSL century, further silencing doubts about his form. ## Overcoming past struggles Babar’s lowest PSL season came in 2025 when he managed just 288 runs, coinciding with Peshawar Zalmi’s first-ever playoff miss. His resurgence this year contrasts sharply with that difficult period. Misbah-ul-Haq credited Babar’s mental resilience, saying, "He got some time off and he must have thought about how he should go forward [from there]. It hurts your ego and you want to prove yourself. It is all about your mental strength. No matter how good you are in cricket, your decision-making goes wrong and you are unable to perform if you are mentally down." Hats off to him that he came with the right frame of mind [in this PSL] and took the challenge that he has to prove himself and perform." ## Babar’s technical improvements Misbah noted Babar’s front leg was previously drifting across against spinners, causing him to play across the line. The adjustment involved clearing the front leg, which opened up new scoring zones. "His front leg was going across against spinners which is why he was playing the left-arm bowlers across the line. Now he is clearing that [front leg] which clears the path for his bat and that is helping him get more room to hit towards the offside, straight down the ground, and even to midwicket or play a slog sweep," Misbah explained. This change has allowed Babar to access all parts of the ground more effectively. ## Final push to the final In the Qualifier against Islamabad United, Babar’s hundred came from 57 balls, featuring a mix of aggressive and calculated strokes. He launched the attack in the powerplay and maintained momentum through the middle overs. Against spin, he scored 39 runs off 25 deliveries, including a slog sweep and a lofted drive over midwicket. His fifty off the last 19 balls highlighted his newfound aggression, contrasting with his earlier cautious approach in the season.