Zalmi vs Gladiators: PZ post 2026 PSL highest 256 against QG, Babar makes century

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi produced a record-breaking batting display to post a mammoth total against Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium, Karachi, setting up 256 runs as the 2026 highest score so far.

After being sent in to bat first, Zalmi’s top order dominated from the start, with skipper Babar Azam leading the charge in style.

He struck a brilliant century, scoring 100 off 52 balls for no damage, featured with 6 fours and 4 sixes, anchoring the innings with class and control.

He was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who played a destructive knock of 83 off 44 balls, smashing 10 boundaries and keeping the scoreboard racing.

The pair built a match-defining partnership that put the Gladiators under constant pressure.

The Zalmi vs Gladiators match saw the late order continued the assault, with Farhan Yousaf adding a quick 19 off 8 balls, while Aaron Hardie provided a finishing flourish with three sixes in just 10 deliveries, pushing Zalmi to a massive total of 255-3.

The Gladiators’ bowling attack struggled throughout the innings, conceding 11 extras, including wides and leg byes, as Zalmi maintained a stunning run rate of 12.75.

With this explosive batting performance, Zalmi set a daunting target for Quetta Gladiators, who now face a huge challenge in match 29 of the tournament.

Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi

Mohammad Haris (wk), Babar Azam (c), Kusal Mendis, Aaron Hardie, Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit and Ali Raza.

Quetta Gladiators

Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Jahandad Khan, Saqib Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.