Babar Azam: Most Runs in PSL 11 | Hanif Mohammad Cap Winner

Babar Azam appeared in a completely new form in HBL PSL 11 (2026). He gave a befitting reply to all the critics who were questioning his strike rate and captaincy with the ball. Babar proved why he is considered the best player in the world. This season, Babar not only achieved the title of leading run-scorer by scoring 588 runs in 11 matches, but also earned the Hanif Mohammad Cap. His outstanding performance included 2 excellent centuries, due to which he was awarded the Best Batsman and Player of the Tournament awards. These awards, courtesy of Solar Inerx, validated his hard work.

Most importantly, his improved style was evident. He batted at an unbelievable average of 73.50 and an excellent strike rate of 145.91. He demonstrated that he not only anchors the innings but also possesses the perfect ability to take on bowlers when the time comes.

As a captain, leading Peshawar Zalmi to a title is a significant achievement in Babar's career. This victory will give him immense confidence in his future cricketing career and will further strengthen his legacy.

Match-by-Match Analysis: Team-wise Performance

Babar has exploited each team's bowling attack and batted accordingly.

(87 runs)* against Karachi Kings

Babar's match against Karachi Kings is always hyped. In Match No. 3, Babar played an innings of 87 runs*. He scored at a strike rate of just 170.59 and remained unbeaten until the end. This was the match that set his momentum.

(100 runs)* against Quetta Gladiators

In the league stage, Babar turned on his "Beast Mode" against Quetta. He reached his unbeaten century (100)* off just 52 balls. His strike rate in this match was 192.31. He hit fours and sixes on every side, and this was his most aggressive 100 in the PSL so far.

Islamabad United (Qualifier Match: 103 runs)

The biggest matches happen when the pressure is highest. Babar played an innings of 103 runs against Islamabad United in Qualifier 1. This was his second 100 of the season. This innings helped Zalmi reach the final directly. He showed who the best player is in a big match.

Record-Breaking Season

Babar Azam broke several major records this season:

• Most Runs in a Season: He equaled Fakhar Zaman's record with 588 runs.
• Most Centuries in a Season: Scoring two centuries in a single season shows Babar's class.
• Hanif Mohammad Cap: This was his fourth Orange Cap of his career, a record in PSL history.

Babar evolved not only as a batsman but also as a captain. He backed young players like Sufian Muqeem and Farhan Yousaf. His field placements and bowling changes remained accurate until the final. The atmosphere in the Peshawar Zalmi dressing room was so positive that every player was giving his 100%.

Cricket has its ups and downs. After such a great season, Babar Azam was out on the first ball (Golden Duck) in the final against Hyderabad Kingsmen. Fans were shocked, but the beauty of Babar was that he did not lose his confidence while fielding and kept his team motivated to defend the low score (129).

But the biggest "twist" of this season was his final match. It is said that cricket is a game of luck, and something similar happened with Babar too. If he had scored even just 1 run in the final, he would have become the batsman scoring the most runs in a single season in PSL history. Unfortunately, he was out for 0 in the final, which meant he only equalled Fakhar Zaman's record of 588 runs, but could not break it.

Before this season, people used to say that Babar plays very slowly. But a strike rate of 145+ proved that Babar has adapted himself to modern-day T20. He used the power play very well and hit big shots even in the death overs.

Babar Azam PSL 11 Inning-by-Inning Stats

Babar Azam's PSL 11 Record Partnerships

A major reason for Peshawar Zalmi's success was the partnership between Babar and Kusal Mendis. Mendis's aggressiveness gave Babar time to build his innings. Together, they made the highest opening partnerships of the tournament. Peshawar Zalmi's captain, Babar Azam, set new batting records this season. He and Kusal Mendis made 2 and 1 partnerships with Muhammad Haris, and a total of 3 times 100+ runs in the tournament.

100+ Runs (Record-Breaking Stand):

In another important match of the tournament, both of them crossed the 100-run milestone. These 3 century partnerships have allowed Babar Azam to equal Virat Kohli's world record for most century partnerships (47) in T20 cricket.

PSL 11 was a statement season for Babar Azam. He showed that "Class is permanent." Scoring 588 runs is no small feat, especially when you're also under the weight of captaincy. Babar not only lifted the trophy but also won the hearts of millions of fans.

This record may be broken by someone in future seasons, but the elegance and style with which Babar batted this year will be remembered forever. For Peshawar Zalmi fans, Babar is not just a captain; he is an emotion.