PSL 2023: Babar Azam scores his fastest T20I half-century

Peshawar Zalmi's skipper Babar Azam seemed to be in his best form during the 27th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) today as the right-handed batter smashed another fifty, bringing his total count up to fourth fifty.

Babar scored 50 in merely 24 balls, which is now the fastest of his T20 career.

The right-handed batter scored 73 off 39 balls to help Zalmi score 242-6 in 20 overs. It was also his 83rd 50+ score in T20s.

For his excellent performance — that too with an improved strike rate — the national side captain was lauded on Twitter.

One user said: "Babar Azam was at his fluent best tonight. 50 off 24 balls, the fastest of his T20 career which has seen 83 scores of fifty or more! "

Others expressed love for the skipper, citing his excellent performance as the reason. 

Some called him the "brand of Pakistan," harking back to the criticism he received recently. 

Zalmi's openers Babar and Saim Ayub set the perfect tone for their team to set another big total.

They both scored 134 runs together to help Zalmi post 242-6 in 20 overs which is also now the second-highest total in this year's PSL.

The skipper scored a fifty with an improved strike rate whereas Saim once again dominated from the front. Babar scored 73 runs including nine boundaries and two maximums whereas Saim made 58 off 33.

Mohammad Haris, Peshawar's wicket-keeper batter, scored a quick 35 off 11 balls to contribute crucial runs to the team's big total. In the end, Tom Kohler-Cadmore played a firepower knock of 38 off 18 balls.