WATCH: Babar Azam switches from scoop to square drive with impressive improvisation
Peshawar Zalmi's Babar Azam, attempting to play a scoop shot, executed a creative stroke through deep point en route to his 11 T20 century in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine against Islamabad United.
Babar concluded unbeaten on 111, propelling Zalmi to a total of 201-5 – he achieved a strike rate of 176.19, striking 14 fours and two sixes. Among the top-six batters, only fellow opener Saim Ayub (38 off 21) managed to surpass 20. Asif Ali remained unbeaten on 17 off 9.
Babar reached his century in the 19th over, having scored 23 runs off Hunain Shah in the preceding over. This marked a remarkable recovery for Zalmi, who had found themselves at 125-5 by the 15-over mark.
At a certain juncture, he stood at 52 off 42, but went on to strike 48 off the subsequent 17 deliveries, showcasing some inventive shots in the process.
A notable instance occurred on the fifth delivery of the 20th over: Babar prepared to play a scoop shot against Faheem Ashraf but adjusted his stance as the bowler delivered it wide of the off stump.
He skillfully directed the ball to the deep point fence for a boundary, placing it between backward point and short third man.
It must be noted Babar is second on the list of most centuries (11). Only Chris Gayle (22) has hit more hundreds.
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