Dubai (Sports News): Seasoned batter Muhammad Waseem has been named the interim captain of the UAE Men’s National Team for the ICC CWC League 2 Series – Nepal 2026. UAE will play Nepal and Oman in the double-league tri-series – pathway for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027. The series will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. Waseem has previously led the side in 26 ODIs. He has replaced Rahul Chopra (ODI captain) who has been rested for the tour. UAE will play Nepal in their first match of the series on Saturday 25 April. Their next three matches are on Monday 27 April, Friday 1 May and Sunday 2 May against Oman, Nepal and Oman respectively. All series matches will begin at 9:30am local time. *UAE squad for ICC CWC League 2 series matches:* Mohammad Waseem (captain), Adeeb Usmani (wicketkeeper), Ajay Kumar, Akshdeep Nath, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Haider Ali, Harpreet Bhatia, Jash Giyanani, Junaid Siddique, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Shahdad, Muhammad Zuhaib, Nilansh Keswani and Sohaib Khan.Support Staff: Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Stanley Chioza (fielding coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Manpreet Sidhu (video analyst) and Manish Pardeshi (physiotherapist). ICC CWC League 2 Nepal – UAE matches schedule (Local time – Kirtipur):*Saturday, 25 April – Nepal vs UAE – 9:30am, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.Monday, 27 April – UAE vs Oman – 9:30am, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.Friday, 1 May – Nepal vs UAE – 9:30am, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.Sunday, 3 May – UAE vs Oman – 9:30am, Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. 

Lahore (Sports News): Karachi Kings stormed to their first victory in six matches in a stunning manner as they chased a 200-run target against Lahore Qalandars with eight balls left and five wickets in the bag in the 35th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday.Khushdil smashed 44 not out at a strike rate of 314 to finish the game after walking in to bat at number seven with 54 required off 27 balls.The bumper double-header day comprised of Twin Cities Derby and the HBL PSL Clasico on 23 April. With the win, Karachi Kings have at large extended their overall dominance over Lahore Qalandars by 16 to 7 and most importantly saved themselves and Quetta Gladiators from being ousted from the Playoffs race.Qalandars are now placed at the fifth place with nine points to their name and a must-win match left to play against Peshawar Zalmi. Kings, who are sixth on the table, will face Quetta Gladiators in a do or die game. On Friday night, fourth-placed Hyderabad Kingsmen and third-placed Islamabad United will face each other in an important clash.Khushdil and Warner shared a fiery unbeaten 57 off 19 balls to take the Qalandars by a surprise. The duo first hit a four each against Haris Rauf in the 17th over to bring down the equation to 34 needed off three overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi was tonked for three sixes and a four by Khushdil in the subsequent over to almost nail the game.With 11 needed off 12 balls, Khushdil saw off a yorker on the first ball for no run, then took a two before going ballistic on the third and fourth balls as he hit Haris for consecutive sixes to finish the game. Kings have won all their four matches in Lahore with two coming against Qalandars, while they lost five on the trot in Karachi.Earlier, David Warner kept the innings intact with an unbeaten 63 off 44 balls hitting nine fours and one six. It was his fifth HBL PSL half-century and 117th overall. Kings lost Jason Roy for nine in the second over, Reeza Hendricks for 10 in the fifth with 39 runs on the board with both wickets falling to Ubaid Shah. Salman Ali Agha fell for 14 off 15 against Haris as Kings were reduced to 69-3 in 8.3 overs.At this juncture, Moeen Ali played a brisk and much-needed knock of 39 from 17 balls hitting one four and four sixes in a 58-run stand with Warner.Moeen hit Sikandar Raza for two sixes in the 12th over when the required un rate had crept above 12. His stay at the crease was cut short by Ubaid in the 14th over after which Azam Khan chipped in with an eight-ball 14. Daniel Sams castled Azam as Khushdil walked out to bat.After being asked to bat first, the Qalandars were propelled to a 199-6 total in 20 overs on the back of half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman (61, 41b, 5x4s, 3x6s) and Abdullah Shafique (62, 36b, 5x4s, 3x6s) and a nine-ball 20 from Daniel Sams.Qalandars lost Mohammad Farooq for a 15-ball 18 in the fourth over before Fakhar and Abdullah took the centre stage and put on a 110-run stand off 62 balls. Lahore took 57 runs off the powerplay and brought up the team hundred in 9.5 overs.Moeen put an end to the stand by removing Fakhar in the 14th over from where Qalandars lost five for 65 in 38 balls. Rizwanullah removed Abdullah after Moeen had skittled Charith Asalanka for a three-ball duck. Sikandar Raza remained unbeaten for a 12-ball 18 hitting a solitary six in his outing.Sams smashed two sixes in his 20-run knock, while skipper Shaheen also hit a six and a four in his 10 off four balls before becoming Hasan’s 138th scalp in the HBL PSL – who is now two wickets ahead of the Qalandars’ skipper on the all-time chart.Scores in brief:Lahore Qalandars 199-6, 20 overs (Abdullah Shafique 62, Fakhar Zaman 61, Daniel Sams 20, Sikandar Raza 20 not out; Moeen Ali 2-26)Karachi Kings 203-5, 18.4 overs (David Warner 63 not out, Khushdil Shah 44 not out, Moeen Ali 39; Ubaid Shah 3-41)Player of the Match – Khushdil Shah (Karachi Kings)Friday’s fixture: Hyderabad Kingsmen v Islamabad United at National Bank Stadium, Karachi; 7pm PKT

Phildalpiha (Sports News): Korea’s Jihyun Lee edged past Ecuador’s Maria Moya in a gripping five-game battle, in the K2 Squash PSA Women’s Challenger 6K Championship 2026, presented by One World Squash, got underway in impressive fashion at K2 Squash Club, signalling another milestone for the venue as it hosts its second international tournament and its first-ever women’s international squash championship.The tournament has attracted players from 13 countries, underlining its growing global stature and the increasing prominence of women’s squash on the international stage. A total of eight matches were contested on the opening day, showcasing a high standard of play, intensity, and competitive spirit. Players delivered commanding performances, reflecting both technical excellence and physical endurance.The standout encounter of the day saw Korea’s Jihyun Lee edged past Ecuador’s Maria Moya in a gripping five-game battle, the longest match of the round, lasting 51 minutes. Jihyun won the epic encounter by 3–2 (18–20, 11–9, 12–10, 6–11, 11–3) in 51 minutes. While Allie Stoddard (USA) [9/16] beat Busayo Olatunji (NGR) 3–0 (11–8, 11–4, 11–1) – 23 mins, Elisabeth Ross (USA) beat Jiya Naik (USA) 3–0 (11–4, 11–2, 11–4) – 18 mins, Rose Lucas Marcuzzo (FRA) [9/16] beat Alysa Ali (USA) 3–2 (11–6, 11–5, 8–11, 6–11, 11–9) – 41 mins.In other first round matches, Wen Li Lai (MAS) [9/16] beat Eva Maheshwari (USA) 3–0 (11–3, 11–6, 11–5) – 18 mins, Bo Ram Ryoo (KOR) [9/16] beat Sameera Shahid (PAK) 3–0 (11–7, 11–6, 11–5) – 23 mins, Gabriella Csokási (HUN) [9/16] beat Nicole Friedman (USA) 3–0 (11–5, 11–4, 11–5) – 21 mins, Franka Vidović (CRO) beat Laila Tantawy (EGY) [9/16] 3–0 (11–0, 11–2, 11–0) – 17 mins. Tournament Director Mohammad Naveed Alam expressed his satisfaction with the level of competition and the successful start to the event. “All matches were played at a very good level, and we witnessed strong performances from the players. We are proud to host our second international event and our first women’s championship at K2 Squash Club, with participation from 13 countries,” he added.

Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is pleased to announce the departure of the Pakistan U-16 Boys squad to Kazakhstan, where they will compete in the UEFA U16 Boys Development Tournament 2026 from April 24 to 30 at the Namys Stadium Biik Sports Complex.This is the first time Pakistan has found the opportunity to participate in a UEFA event. The 19-member squad, selected by the national coaching staff, represents a blend of promising young talent from across the country. The tournament presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan’s emerging generation to gain high-level international exposure against UEFA-affiliated nations.PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani said: “Access to European competition at this level has historically been out of reach for our young players, and that is a gap we are determined to close. The U-16 age group is where footballers begin to define themselves. This is exactly the kind of tournament where our boys’ character will be tested. And it is exactly the kind of platform we want to provide consistently to our youth teams, because you cannot build world-class players by keeping them local.”The squad departed from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and will reach Kazakhstan via a stopover in Almaty. THE SQUADGoalkeepers: Samar Razzaq, Naveed UllahDefenders: Muhammad Alam, Hamza Amjad, Maqbool Ahmed, Nadeem Hussain, Abdul Raheem Elahi, Syed Manzar ShahMidfielders: M. Mustafa, M. Essa, Sagar Mehrban, Haroon Rasheed, Shahraz Khan, Abdul Samad, Hamza Yasir, M. HanzalaForwards: Danish Masih, M. Rafay, Kaleem Ullah

Islamabad (Abdullah Asjad):Shahid Zaman Khan is Ready to Serve Pakistan The Time to Act is NowShahid Zaman Khan, one of the most accomplished and respected figures in modern Pakistani squash, has delivered a clear and powerful message: he is ready to serve Pakistan and the time to act is now.Born in Quetta Cantt into a family where squash is not just a sport but a legacy of national service, Shahid Zaman Khan represents a lineage deeply woven into Pakistan’s sporting history. He is the son of Gul Bahadur Khan, the legendary coach of Balochistan, whose tireless efforts shaped generations of players. From his mother, Shamim Gul sister of the great Qamar Zaman, famously known as “The Master of Strokes” he inherited brilliance and flair. From his father, discipline, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to developing others.Across an extraordinary 32-year journey in professional squash, Shahid Zaman Khan has not only competed he has carried Pakistan’s honor on his shoulders. Spending 16 years on the PSA Tour, he secured international titles, rose to a career-high world ranking of No. 14, and remained Pakistan’s No. 1 for several years. At every stage, he represented the country with pride, professionalism, and unwavering determination.In recognition of his outstanding services to the sport and his dedication to Pakistan, Shahid Zaman Khan was awarded the Pride of Pakistan on 14th August 2025, conferred by the President of Pakistan with acknowledgment from ISPR. This national honor is not merely an award it is a symbol of a lifetime devoted to excellence, integrity, and national pride.After his playing career, Shahid did not step away he stepped forward. For 16 years in the United States, he worked at elite institutions including The Tennis and Racket Club, Equinox, Boston University, Wellesley College, and Harvard Business School. He made history as the first Pakistani squash professional to coach at Harvard breaking barriers and carrying Pakistan’s legacy into the world’s most prestigious environments.In 2012, he founded SZK Squash LLC, building a modern, high-performance training system rooted in discipline, structure, and mental strength. His work has produced not just players, but complete athletes capable of competing and winning at the highest levels.Yet, despite global success, his connection to Pakistan has never weakened. He played a crucial role in preparing his nephew Hamza Khan for his historic World Junior Championship victory in 2023, ending a 37-year drought for Pakistan. In 2025, Noor Zaman’s rise to world champion further signaled that Pakistan’s sleeping giant is ready to awaken.But Shahid Zaman Khan is not waiting for change he is creating it.Returning to Quetta, he has already begun rebuilding from the ground up. Without seeking recognition, he donated equipment, organized six junior tournaments unprecedented in the city’s history and personally trained young players. His mission is clear: revive Pakistan squash through grassroots development, structure, and vision.Now, his message to the nation and its institutions is direct and uncompromising:“This is the time to give back to Pakistan. I have dedicated 32 years to professional squash as a player and as a coach and I am ready to give everything I have to Pakistan’s junior players. If given the opportunity, I am prepared to serve and help take Pakistan squash back to the top of the world.”This is not a request. This is a call to action.At a time when Pakistan squash struggles with inconsistency, lack of direction, and missed opportunities, Shahid Zaman Khan offers something rare: proven international experience, a modern vision, and unquestionable sincerity. He is not asking for titles, positions, or recognition he is offering service backed by results.Pakistan has never lacked talent. What it has lacked is structure, leadership, and the courage to place responsibility in the right hands.

Islamabad: The Treet ITF Pakistan Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial Junior Tennis Championship (J-60, Leg-3) continued at the PTF Tennis Complex, IslamabadResults:Boys Singles Pre-Quarterfinasl: Artem Bukin (RUS) bt Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-2,6-2; Jayden Park (HKG) bt Junxuan Cheng(CHN) 6-4,7-6(5); Ganuka Fernando (SRI) bt Muhammad Afzal (PAK) 6-0,6-0; Mikaeel Ali Baig (PAK) bt Abdaar Ali (PAK) 6-1,6-0; Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) bt Ho Wan Yeung (HKG) 6-3,6-3; Luke Jie Xi Ho (SGP) bt Vladislav Chiburaev(RUS) 6-2,6-1; Abubakar Talha (PAK) bt Inam Qadir (PAK) 6-0,6-1;Hamza Roman (PAK) bt Ruoyu Hua (CHN) 6-4,7-5 Girls Singles Pre-Quarterfinals: Varvara Rubtsova(RUS) bt Kiko Okuyama (JPN) 6-3,2-6,7-5; Zihan Feng(CHN) bt Khadija Khalil (PAK) 6-1,6-0; Ai Teng (CHN) bt Zunaisha Noor (PAK) 6-0,6-0; Yijia Wang(CHN) bt Hinako Higaki (JPN) 2-1(retd); Zhiyu Zhou (CHN) bt Yuliia Artiuhina(POL) 6-0,6-0; Yitong Lu (CHN) bt Eyu Yoshida (JPN) 6-0,6-1; Srimuk Phitchayaphak (THA) bt Romaisa Malik (PAK) 6-1,6-2; Yerin Lim (KOR) bt Safiia Urazalina (KAZ) 6-0,7-6(5)  (PR)

Karachi (PCB Report):Steve Smith hit a composed half-century as Multan Sultans romped to their sixth win chasing the 167-run target set by Rawalpindiz in the 31st match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Tuesday’s double-header day. On Wednesday, Karachi Kings will take on Peshawar Zalmi in the first match at the Gaddafi Stadium, while Multan Sultans will return to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at the National Bank Stadium. Sultans are placed second on the points table with 12 points, while Rawalpindiz have copped their eighth straight loss. Opting to bat first, the Rawalpindiz were struck two early blows by Multan Sultans’ new ball duo of Muhammad Imran and Peter Siddle. Shahzaib Khan fell for a four-ball duck to Imran, while Siddle got rid of Yasir Khan to reduce Rawalpindiz to 6-2 in two overs. It was at this juncture that Daryl Mitchell and Mohammad Rizwan came together to stitch a 63-run stand off 50 balls. The duo was quiet till the fifth over with Rawalpindiz 19-2 before they hit Arafat Minhas for a six and a four to take 14 off the sixth. Arafat returned to break the partnership in the 11th over after Rawalpindiz were 67-2 at the halfway mark. That the Rawalpindiz were able to score 99 off the last 10 overs was largely due to Dian Forrester’s unbeaten 37 off 15 balls and Mitchell’s unbeaten 58 as they stitched 45 off 20 balls for the fifth wicket. Sam Billings (29, 20b, 2x4s, 1x6) walked in at 69-3 in the 11th over and helped keep the innings on track putting on a 52-run stand with Mitchell. Mohammad Wasim Jnr came on to remove Billings in the 17th over. Forrester hit three fours and three sixes in his aggressive outing. His boundaries came in the last three overs in a set of six and four each. Mitchell, who hit his 28th T20 half-century and fourth in HBL PSL, struck three fours and two sixes as Rawalpindiz finished with 166-4 in 20 overs. In turn, Sultans reached the target with eight balls to spare and six wickets in the bag. Smith hit 56 off 31 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes, in which he looked at his best. It was his second HBL PSL half-century and 31st in T20s. After Sahibzada (20, 17b, 4x4s) was castled by Asif Afridi for the first of his two wickets in the fourth over, Smith and Philippe (17, 19b, 1x4) shared a 69-run stand, which was largely dominated by the former. Shan Masood contributed 20 off 22 balls hitting just one four after Philippe and Smith fell to Asif and Saad Masood, respectively in consecutive overs with Sultans 100-3 in 11.3 overs. Skipper Ashton Turner remained unbeaten for 37 off 21 balls and made sure to finish the game hitting three fours and one six in his outing, while Arafat was seven not out off three balls with the help of one four. Asif’s two wickets came for 28 runs in four overs, while Razaullah and Saad dismissed one batter each. Scores in brief:Rawalpindiz 166-4, 20 overs (Daryl Mitchell 58 not out, Dian Forrester 37 not out, Sam Billings 29, Mohammad Rizwan 26; Mohammad Imran 1-9) Multan Sultans 167-4, 18.4 overs (Steven Smith 56, Ashton Turner 37 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 20, Shan Masood 20; Asif Afridi 2-28)Player of the Match – Steven Smith (Multan SultansWednesday’s fixtures:Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 2.30pm PKTHyderabad Kingsmen v Multan Sultans at National Bank Stadium, Karachi; 7pm PKT 

Lahore (Sports News):Fakhar Zaman’s blazing century helped Lahore Qalandars register a thrilling nine-run win over Quetta Gladiators in the Match 30 of HBL Pakistan Super League 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday evening.Lahore Qalandars moved to fourth on the table with eight points, while Quetta Gladiators dropped to fifth with six points.Fakhar’s 103 off 51 balls, which included 11 fours and six sixes, powered Lahore to 197 for six in 20 overs. In reply, Quetta fought hard through half-centuries by Shamyl Hussain and Rilee Rossouw, but fell short as they finished on 188 for 7.Lahore lost Mohammad Farooq early for four in the second over with just seven runs on the board, but Fakhar steadied the innings with Abdullah Shafique in a 57-run stand for the second wicket. Abdullah contributed 14 off 15 balls before he was dismissed in the seventh over with the score at 64 for two.Fakhar then found strong support from Charith Asalanka. The pair added 96 runs for the third wicket to put Lahore in a commanding position. Fakhar dominated the stand with attacking strokeplay all around the ground, while Asalanka made 31 off 24 balls with three fours and one six.Asalanka fell leg-before-wicket to Brett Hampton in the 16th over with the score on 160, while Fakhar was dismissed in the next over for 103, caught by Shamyl Hussain off Usman Tariq at 164-4. Daniel Sams then added late impetus with 18 not out off 12 balls hitting two fours and one six, while Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with eight as Lahore closed on 197-6.For Quetta, Alzarri Joseph was the most economical bowler conceding 23 in four overs including a maiden first over, while Hampton, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq picked up one wicket apiece.Quetta made a positive start in the chase as Shamyl Hussain and Saud Shakeel added 49 runs for the opening wicket. Saud made 17 off 17 balls before Sikandar Raza provided Lahore with the breakthrough in the sixth over.Shamyl continued the charge and raced to 53 off 31 balls striking five fours and three sixes, scoring his third HBL PSL half-century in his debut season, but Lahore hit back through a sharp run-out by Sams with the score on 88 in the 10th over.Haris Rauf then struck with the next ball to dismiss Hasan Nawaz for naught, leaving Quetta 88-3.Rossouw then launched a counterattack to revive the chase, hammering 62 off 29 deliveries with five fours and five sixes. His innings shifted momentum before Ubaid Shah removed him in the 15th over, caught behind by Haseebullah with Quetta on 149-5.Khawaja Mohammad Nafay scored 12, Bevon Jacobs made two and Brett Hampton added seven, but Quetta could not keep up with the required rate. Haris removed Hampton in the 18th over to leave Quetta at 160-7.Abrar Ahmed then played a fighting unbeaten knock of 24 off 14 balls, hitting five fours, while Alzarri Joseph remained not out on three. Despite the late resistance, Quetta finished on 188-7.Haris Rauf led Lahore’s bowling effort with 2-28 in four overs, while Shaheen, Ubaid, Sikandar and Usama Mir claimed one wicket each. ShaheenScores in brief:Lahore Qalandars 197-6, 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 103, Charith Asalanka 31; Khalil Ahmed 2-38)Quetta Gladiators 188-7, 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw 62, Shamyl Hussain 53, Abrar Ahmed 24 not out; Haris Rauf 2-28). 

Islamabad (faisal): The ITF Pakistan Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial Junior Tennis Championship (J-60, Leg-3) commenced today at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad. Tariq Murtza, Chairman of the Islamabad Tennis Association, inaugurated the championships.A total of 24 boys and 20 girls from 16 countries, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Japan, China, Australia, Russia, Poland, South Korea, Sri Lanka, USA, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Netherlands, and Thailand, are participating in the championship.Results : Boys Singles 1st Round:   Jayden Park (HKG) w/o Mohammad Hassan Usmani (PAK); Ruoyu Hua (CHN) bt Sarp Akan Ercan (TUR) 6-1, 6-4 ; Inam Qadir (PAK) w/o Moulik Agarwal (IND) : Amir Muhammad Khan Mazari (PAK) bt  Kinki Shi (HKG) 6-1,6-1; Vladislav Chiburaev (RUS) bt Mohammad Yahya (PAK) 6-4, 7-6(5) ; Abdaar Ali (PAK) w/o  Han Yang (CHN; Artem Bukin (RUS) bt Heran Zhang (CHN) 7-6(5), 7-5 ; Jinxuan Cheng (CHN) bt Fedor Dorokhov (RUS) 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-3; Ho Wan Yeung (HKG) bt Arham Tariq (PAK) 6-1, 6-0; Mohammad Ahmad Afzal (PAK) w/o Ivan Bondarenko (KAZ);  Ganuka Fernando (SRI) bt Zohaib Afzal Malik (PAK) 6-2, 6-3 ; Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) bt Hao Yi Zhang (CHN) 6-1, 4-1 Ret;         Girls Singles 1st Round: Kiko Okuyama (JPN) bt Bismal Zia Ullah Khan (PAK) 6-0,6-1; Safiia Urazalina (KAZ) bt Yuriko Michihiro (JPN) 6-0, 6-1; Romisa Malik (PAK) bt Yeanna Chowdhury (BAN) 6-2, 7-5; Khadija Khalil bt Rania Busz (USA) 4-6,6-2,6-0Boys Doubles 1st Round: Ruoyu Hua (CHN) / Heran Zhang (CHN) bt Vladislav Chiburaev / Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) 6-4,6-4; Kinki Shi (HKG) / Ho Wan Yeung(HKG) bt Abdaar Ali (PAK) / Arham Tariq (PAK) 6-2,6-2; Artem Bukin (RUS) / Fedor Dorokhov (RUS) bt Zohaib Afzal Malik / M.Yahya (PAK) 6-2,7-5; Girls Doubles 1st Round: Yeanna Chowdhury (BAN) / Eyu Yoshida(JPN) bt Yuliia Artiuhina(POL) / Rania Busz(USA) 6-0,6-0; Yitong Lu (CHN) / Ai Teng(CHN) bt Hinako Higaki (JPN) / Yuriko Michihiro(JPN) 6-4,6-2

Karachi (Sports News): Babar Azam registered his third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) century as unbeaten Peshawar Zalmi thumped Quetta Gladiators by a record 118-run margin in the second match of Sunday’s double-header here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.Monday, 20 April will be a rest day in HBL PSL before the action returns on Tuesday with another double-header split between Lahore and Karachi.Peshawar Zalmi’s 255-3 in 20 overs became the third-highest total in the HBL PSL and only the fifth score ever in excess of the 250-run mark. In turn, Zalmi’s rookie pace duo of Ali Raza (3-9) and Mohammad Basit (3-26), who combined to dismantle three of the top four batters and blew away Gladiators for a mere 137 in 18.1 overs. The 118-run winning margin registered by Zalmi is the fourth-highest in terms of runs after they also registered the 159-run margin against Karachi Kings on 9 April at the same venue. Zalmi now have 15 points to their name off eight games.Peshawar Zalmi took 76 runs off the last five overs of their innings, while Babar dramatically brought up his 12th T20 century and first in 67 innings on the last ball of the innings – 52nd ball of his outing - with a double.Babar, who finished on 100 off 52, hit six fours and four sixes and also put on a brisk unbeaten 66-run stand off 22 balls with Aaron Hardie (26 not out, 10b, 3x6s). Babar’s all four sixes came in the last four overs as he went after Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq and Alzarri Joseph. It was also the first time in T20 cricket that a batter faced only a solitary dot ball after facing 50 or more balls.Earlier, Babar and Kusal Mendis again joined forces to put on a second century partnership in the tournament worth 135 runs off 75 balls after Mohammad Haris (16, 6b, 1x4, 2x6s) departed in the second over. Mendis, the leading run-scorer in the HBL PSL 11 with 413 runs, fell for 83 off 44 balls hitting 10 fours and three sixes. This was Mendis’ third half-century besides his 109 against Kings on 9 April.The duo brought up the second-highest powerplay score in HBL PSL 11 – 80-1. By the halfway mark Zalmi had notched 115 runs and then Usman broke the stand in the 15th over with scorecard reading 165-2.From this over, young Farhan Yousuf (19, 8b, 2x4s, 1x6) laid the marker for the big total by hitting Usman for a six and a four on consecutive balls. He fell to Abrar in the 17th over as Babar and Hardie went ballistic.For Gladiators, Jahandad, Joseph and Usman Tariq were hit for 50 more runs.In the chase, Quetta Gladiators’ left-arm pacer Mohammad Basit brought the goods in the fourth over removing Saud Shakeel for 12 and Rilee Rossouw for a golden duck. Ali Raza, who was constantly clocking in excess of 140 kph, during his 3.1 overs, then removed Hasan Nawaz in last over of powerplay, at the end of which the Gladiators were 42-3.No.6 Bevon Jacobs (34, 27b, 1x4, 3x6s) and no.5 Dinesh Chandimal (19, 8b, 1x4, 2x6s) threatened for moments before perishing as Gladiators slumped from 44-3 to 82-7 and then 137 all out. Jospeh struck two sixes in his 15-ball 19 not out. Ali Raza’s figures read 3.1-0-9-3, while Basit’s three came in four. Sufyan Moqim and Michael Bracewell picked up one wicket each.Scores in brief:Peshawar Zalmi 255-3, 20 overs (Babar Azam 100 not out, Kusal Mendis 83, Aaron Hardie 26 not out)Quetta Gladiators 137 all out, 18.1 overs (Bevon Jacobs 34, Shamyl Hussain 21; Ali Raza 3-9, Mohammad Basit 3-26, Aaron Hardie 2-11)Player of the Match: Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi)