Peshawar Zalmi kept their strong run going in PSL 2026 with a comfortable chase at the National Stadium in Karachi. The team defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by four wickets while chasing a target of 145.
Captain Babar Azam played a key role in the victory with a steady innings that helped guide the chase.
Match Summary
Hyderabad Kingsmen, playing their debut season in the tournament, posted a total of 145 runs. Peshawar Zalmi approached the chase calmly and reached the target with wickets in hand.
| Match | Peshawar Zalmi vs Hyderabad Kingsmen |
|---|---|
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Target | 145 runs |
| Result | Peshawar Zalmi won by 4 wickets |
The chase remained under control throughout the innings as Zalmi batters contributed at important moments.
Babar Azam Leads the Chase
Babar Azam anchored the innings with a composed knock. His 43 runs from 37 balls helped provide stability during the chase.
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 43 | 37 |
Other batters supported him with useful contributions, helping the team reach the target and maintain their winning momentum.
Press Conference Moment Goes Viral
🚨 BABAR RESPONDED TO A QUESTION ON KOHLI-BABAR COMPARISON 🚨
— Abdullah. (@Abdullahh_56) April 8, 2026
• Journalist – "Virat Kohli comes with the same shot of game as you but he finishes the match which you lack. People compare him with you what are your views on the comparison?"
• Babar Azam – "Let these things to… pic.twitter.com/A69fIV9urI
After the match, a moment from the press conference caught the attention of fans online.
During the interaction with the media, a journalist asked Babar Azam about comparisons with Virat Kohli and questioned whether he finishes matches often enough.
The question focused on expectations placed on Babar and the frequent comparisons made between him and Kohli.
Babar Azam’s Direct Reply
Babar responded firmly to the question and asked the journalist to move on from the comparison.
He explained that he has finished many matches for his team even if some critics do not recognize those performances.
The response quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans discussing his reaction and the ongoing comparisons between top international batters.
Also See : Shubman Gill Fined for Slow Over-Rate After Gujarat Titans’ Narrow Win Over Delhi Capitals
Babar’s PSL 2026 Performance So Far
Babar Azam has made a solid start to PSL 2026 with consistent performances in the early matches.
| Matches | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 82 | 41.00 |
His contributions have helped Peshawar Zalmi maintain a positive start in the tournament.
Next Match for Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi will now prepare for their next challenge in PSL 2026.
| Next Opponent | Lahore Qalandars |
|---|---|
| Date | April 11 |
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
The upcoming match will see Zalmi face the defending champions as they look to continue their winning form.
The match itself was another successful outing for Peshawar Zalmi, with Babar Azam playing a key role in the chase.
At the same time, the press conference exchange added another talking point for fans and analysts. The moment highlighted the pressure top players face and how comparisons between leading cricketers continue to generate debate among followers of the game.
