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In a cricketing spectacle that will be etched in the memories of fans, Babar Azam, the maestro from Pakistan, slammed a scintillating century for Peshawar Zalmi in the 13th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. What made this innings even more special was Babar’s emotional dedication of the knock to his mother, who witnessed him play live for the first time in a stadium.
The showdown: Babar Azam’s breathtaking century
The 13th match of PSL 2024 pitted Peshawar Zalmi against Islamabad United in a high-stakes encounter. Winning the toss, Islamabad United opted to bowl first, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Peshawar Zalmi responded with a formidable innings, posting 201/5 in their 20 overs. The star of the show was none other than Babar, who played a breathtaking knock, scoring 111 runs off 63 balls. His innings included 14 fours and 2 sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers struggling to contain his brilliance. Saim Ayub and Paul Walter provided valuable contributions to help Peshawar Zalmi set a challenging target.
Babar achieves a magnificent milestone
With this century, Babar not only eventually led his team to victory but also etched his name in the record books. This marked his 11th century in T20 cricket, making him the second-highest centurion in this format, trailing only behind the legendary Chris Gayle (22 centuries). The cricketing world was left in awe of Babar’s consistency and ability to dominate in the shortest format of the game.
Islamabad’s fight in vain
Chasing 202 for victory, Islamabad United fought valiantly, with Colin Munro and Azam Khan playing pivotal roles. Munro’s 71 off 53 balls and Azam Khan’s explosive 75 off 30 balls brought them close, but an inspired bowling performance from Arif Yaqoob, who took five wickets, turned the tide in Peshawar Zalmi’s favour as they emerged victorious by successfully defending the total.
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Babar dedicates his ton to his mother
What added an extra layer of emotion to Babar’s century was the presence of his mother in the stadium. It was a significant moment for the cricketing star as he dedicated his remarkable innings to his mother, who witnessed him play live for the first time. The gesture tugged at the heartstrings of fans, and social media was abuzz with admiration for Babar’s love and respect for his mother.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Babar Azam played one of his specials here in #HBLPSL 2024 tonight. Very few batters can marry that class & elegance with that tempo we saw tonight.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 26, 2024
What a night to secure another win 🏏
Let’s keep going 💪 pic.twitter.com/QeLMXV0Xke— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) February 27, 2024
Babar Azam – Now that was special!
💯 @babarazam258 @thePSLt20 #BabarAzam— Urooj Mumtaz Khan (@uroojmumtazkhan) February 27, 2024
Special innings by a special player. Babar Azam is the undisputed King of batting in Pakistan. Century number 11 in T20s! #PSL2024
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) February 26, 2024
Scoring his best hundred in front of his mother, Just King Babar Azam things 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/6Q7rT0TbLY
— SAAD 🇵🇰 (@SaadIrfan258) February 26, 2024
Babar Azam said, "my mother came to watch me for the first time. She's very happy, she enjoyed my innings". pic.twitter.com/NgASy2979f
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 27, 2024
Rare incident, but some top cricketers also credit their mothers for the success.
-Babar Azam 👏👏#PSL9 pic.twitter.com/x5WWWVf41z
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) February 26, 2024
One day his dad comes to watch the match and he wins , another day his mom comes to watch the match , he scores a century and his team wins . Babar is the luckiest guy ! May God bless him , his parents and his family ❤️#BabarAzam𓃵 #BabarAzam #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/RtSAoNAdy5
— Mary Marouf (@Cricket_istic) February 26, 2024
Darren Sammy's reaction on this terrific shot of babar azam pic.twitter.com/iCmdfyU066
— Tifi🇵🇸 (@BA_56__) February 26, 2024
Impact and influence is beyond numbers. #BabarAzam𓃵 #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/jMlUK0o0YE
— 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 (@Babaresque) February 26, 2024
This was the first time When Babar Azam’s Mother came to watch Match in Stadium.
And Her Son Played one of the best T20 Innings of his career. Babar dedicated his player of the match to Mother.
Making Proud to your parents is every middle class family Son’s Dream. pic.twitter.com/EbrPhOMzZo
— Avinash Aryan (@iamavinasharyan) February 26, 2024
ERA OF BABAR 🐐
JUSTIFIED HIS KINGDOM #PZvsIU pic.twitter.com/KFgYXSTlSR— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) February 26, 2024