Kamal Ghorui
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has found himself at the centre of social media criticism following an unusual moment during Peshawar Zalmi’s clash against Quetta Gladiators in Match 23 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026.The incident occurred during a high-intensity phase of the match when Alzarri Joseph bowled a second bouncer in the over in the seventh over of the chase, which was adjudged a no-ball. With a free hit on offer, often seen as a golden opportunity for batters to go big, expectations were high from Babar, one of the most technically sound players in world cricket. However, Joseph followed it up smartly with a full, fast delivery angling down the leg side. Babar, caught slightly off guard, managed only an inside edge onto his pads, resulting in just a single run instead of the anticipated boundary or six.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, not just for the missed opportunity but also for a fan’s reaction from the stands. In a widely circulated video, a spectator can be heard saying, “Zaleel kara diya Babar,” expressing disappointment in a humorous tone. The clip has since sparked a wave of memes and reactions online, with fans playfully mocking the star batter for not capitalising on the free hit.
Match Summary: Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators
Peshawar Zalmi continued their dominant run in PSL 2026 with a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium, Karachi.After winning the toss, Zalmi opted to bowl first and justified the decision with a disciplined bowling performance. Quetta Gladiators struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 154 in 20 overs, with Hasan Nawaz top-scoring with 37. Sufiyan Muqeem starred with the ball, picking up 3/25, while Mohammad Basit also chipped in with three wickets.Chasing 155, Zalmi got off to a flying start. Mohammad Haris provided early impetus with a quick 35, stitching a solid opening stand with skipper Babar Azam. The captain then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls, guiding his side home comfortably in 18.3 overs.Zalmi chased down the target with ease, losing just two wickets and finishing with nine balls to spare, showcasing their strong batting depth and consistency.
