After months of scrutiny, lean scores, and mounting questions, Babar Azam appears to have turned a corner; emphatically so. The former Pakistan captain, once the benchmark of consistency across formats, is now scripting a compelling comeback story in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Leading Peshawar Zalmi from the front, Babar has amassed 588 runs in just 10 innings, boasting a striking balance of aggression and control with a strike rate of 146.26 and a staggering average of 84. His latest statement came on Tuesday, when he struck a fluent 103 off 59 balls; his second century in four matches, guiding Zalmi into the final with authority.
That knock was not just another addition to his tally; it etched his name alongside Virat Kohli and Abhishek Sharma. With eight T20 centuries in Pakistan, Babar now shares the record for most centuries in a single country in men’s T20 cricket.
The milestones did not stop there. His fourth PSL century draws him level with Usman Khan as the joint-highest century-maker in the league’s history. More notably, it was his ninth T20 century as captain—taking him past Faf du Plessis to become the most prolific captain-centurion in the format.
This resurgence comes in stark contrast to Babar’s recent struggles. Dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, his dip in form had been underlined during a disappointing stint with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, where he managed just 202 runs in 11 innings.
Across formats, the drought had been prolonged. His last T20I hundred dates back to April 2023, while his most recent ODI century--an unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka national cricket team--came in November 2025.
In Tests, a century has eluded him since December 2022.
Yet, those within the Pakistan setup have not lost faith. Newly appointed Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has publicly backed Babar, citing his PSL form as evidence of a player rediscovering his touch ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh.
Zalmi’s 70-run demolition of Islamabad United in the Qualifier ensured their place in the final—their first since 2021--and marked a personal milestone for Babar, who will be leading a side in a PSL final for the first time.
Reflecting on his journey, Babar struck a measured tone.
“There are ups and downs in life and things do not play out the way you want them to,” he said. “I try to focus on what is in my control--my hard work and training. Time teaches you, and I have learnt with time.”
He also acknowledged the need for introspection during his slump. “You have to go back to the things that worked for you before. Discussions help you gain clarity… I analysed my batting videos and realised where I was going wrong.”
Pakistan’s next red-ball assignment will see them travel to Bangladesh for a two-match Test series starting May 8.
With conditions expected to challenge technique and temperament, Babar’s return to form could prove vital for Pakistan as they look to stabilise their batting in the longer format. The tour may also offer the 31-year-old an opportunity to translate his T20 resurgence into Test success and reassert his stature as one of the leading batters in international cricket.
