LAHORE: Kusal Mendis scored his third T20 century, Babar Azam became the second Pakistan batter to complete 12,000 T20 runs and a 12-ball cameo by Abdul Samad helped Peshawar Zalmi annihilate Karachi Kings by a record 159-run margin at the National Bank Stadium in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League on Thursday.

Mendis scored a 52-ball 109, Babar remained unbeaten on a 51-ball 87 — his 99th career half-century in addition to 11 centuries — and Samad scored 40 not out as Zalmi posted a mammoth 246 for three after being put in to bat.

In reply, Kings, chasing the highest total in PSL history, lost two wickets in the first seven balls and another two before the end of the seventh over, before eventually capitulating to 87 all out in 16.1 overs. Zalmi’s victory eclipsed their 120-run win over Multan Sultans in Rawalpindi last year. In 2023, Lahore Qalandars had defeated Islamabad United by 119 runs in Rawalpindi.

Fast bowler Nahid Rana picked up the wickets of Saad Baig (14), Khushdil Shah (10) and Adam Zampa (0), conceding just seven runs, while Sufiyan Muqeem took three for 18, dismissing Azam Khan (25), Moeen Ali (9) and Abbas Afridi (9). Iftikhar Ahmed bagged three for nine, removing Mohammad Waseem (0), Salman Ali Agha (5) and Mohammad Hamza (2). Shoriful Islam dismissed David Warner (0) to complete the rout.

The story, however, was a breathtaking batting display by Zalmi’s top order – a day after they had stuttered to a last-ball four-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen while chasing 146.

Mendis’ 109 was punctuated with 14 fours and four sixes, while Babar showed his magic, flair and elegance with 10 fours and two sixes in his 87 not out. The two put on 191 for the second wicket off 97 balls — a PSL record partnership — after Mohammad Haris departed off the second ball of the innings. They were separated at the score of 191 in the 16th over.

After Michael Bracewell fell on the last ball of the 17th over with the score on 197, Abdul Samad took charge, making the ball disappear to all parts of the ground. Facing 12 of the last 18 balls, Samad scored 40 not out with three fours and four sixes as Zalmi collected 55 runs in the last three overs to finish at 246 for three.

Mendis reached his half-century off 26 balls with five fours and three sixes before completing his century off 48 balls with 12 fours and four sixes. Babar’s fifty came off 32 balls with seven fours and a six, with his next 37 runs coming off 19 balls including three fours and a six.

When Babar reached 13, he completed 12,000 T20 runs in his 351st appearance to become the second Pakistan batter after Shoaib Malik (13,571 runs, 557 matches) to achieve the feat. The list is headed by Chris Gayle (14,562 runs, 463 matches).

Kings’ fielders and bowlers had a forgettable day. While the fielders leaked runs and dropped catches, three bowlers — Adam Zampa, Mir Hamza and Abbas Afridi — conceded 51 or more runs from their four overs each. Khushdil Shah, with figures of 4-0-37-1, was the most economical.

UNITED AMBUSH QALANDARS

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars, playing their first match since April 3, collapsed like a house of cards against Islamabad United, who were themselves playing their first match in five days.

Put in to bat, Qalandars were bundled out for 100 in 18.3 overs — the lowest total by any side at this venue in PSL history. Only Sikandar Raza crossed the 20-run mark with 25 (19b, 3×4). Opener Haseebullah Khan (19) and Asif Ali (15) were the other notable run-scorers.

Sikandar and Asif stitched a 31-run fifth-wicket partnership off 23 balls — the highest of Qalandars’ innings. The next best stand was the second-wicket partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Haseebullah, which yielded 26 off 25 balls.

For Islamabad United, all frontline bowlers took wickets. Chris Green was the pick of the bowlers with three for 19, while Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson and Shadab Khan took two wickets each.

In reply, Islamabad United romped home for the loss of one wicket in 10.2 overs. Devon Conway scored a 35-ball 59 not out with seven fours and three sixes, while Mohammad Faiq scored a 19-ball 34 not out with six fours. The pair put on 93 off 49 balls for the unfinished second wicket, confirming it was a good batting surface and the pitch held no demons.

Scores in brief:

Match 16 – Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by nine wickets

LAHORE QALANDARS 100 all-out, 18.3 overs (Sikandar Raza 25, Haseebullah Khan 19, Asif Ali 15; Chris Green 3-19, Imad Wasim 2-13, Richard Gleeson 2-13, Shadab Khan 2-18)

ISLAMABAD UNITED 104-1, 10.2 overs (Devon Conway 59 not out, Mohammad Faiq 34 not out)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Chris Green (Islamabad United)

Match 17 – Peshawar Zalmi beat Karachi Kings by 159 runs

PESHAWAR ZALMI 246-3, 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 109, Babar Azam 87 not out, Abdul Samad 40 not out; Abbas Afridi -55)

KARACHI KINGS 87 all-out, 16.1 overs (Azam Khan 25, Saad Baig 14; Nahid Rana 3-7, Sufiyan Muqeem 3-18, Iftikhar Ahmed 3-9)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Kusal Mendis (Peshawar Zalmi)

FRIDAY’S FIXTURE: Quetta Gladiators v Rawalpindiz (7pm), National Bank Stadium