Peshawar Zalmi, under the leadership of Babar Azam, have been one of the standout teams in PSL 2026, setting the benchmark with a dominant start to the season. With five wins in six matches and one game washed out, Zalmi remain unbeaten and comfortably sit at the top of the points table.
Babar himself has played a key role in this strong run, scoring 230 runs in five innings to emerge as one of the leading run-getters in the tournament. However, his strike rate of 130.68 has drawn some attention, especially when compared to other top performers.
Teammate Kusal Mendis has been in explosive form, leading the charts with 309 runs at a strike rate above 170, while Sahibzada Farhan has also impressed with a strike rate exceeding 180. Addressing the discussion about his scoring rate, Babar emphasised adaptability over numbers. He highlighted how conditions, match situations, and batting positions play a crucial role in shaping an innings.
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“You have to play differently at different positions, keeping the team’s requirement in mind and assessing conditions,” Babar Azam said after Zalmi’s win over Multan Sultans. “Every pitch behaves differently, and you can’t approach every game with the same mindset. Opponents also plan for you, so you have to adjust your game accordingly.”
“Conditions or situation bht matter krti hai ap har din aa k muh utha k shots ni mar skty agli team b working kr k ati hai.”
Babar Azam opens up on strike rate matter ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/wyWqsLd3fb
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) April 13, 2026
The Zalmi skipper also underlined the importance of partnerships in maintaining balance within the innings. He explained that not every batter needs to attack at the same rate, as building partnerships often allows one player to absorb pressure while the other accelerates.
“Sometimes you manage strike rates, sometimes you don’t. Partnerships are key because one batter can take the pressure off the other,” he added.
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With a well-rounded approach and clarity in roles, Peshawar Zalmi have not only found consistency but also built a strong foundation for a deep run this season.
