Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Who Will Dominate PSL This Season?

Starting off the PSL 2025, fans have begun the very classic debate of ‘who will shine brighter-The Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan this season’? The two big batting giants of the current Pakistani cricket team are leading their respective PSL teams-as captains. Babar leads Peshawar Zalmi, while Rizwan captains the Multan Sultans. Their cricketing records speak for themselves. During this time, they will expect to get into a good form and win the title for their teams by performing against each other.

Babar Azam-The Elegant Maestro

In fact, Babar Azam has become the leading performer among consistent batsmen in the world across formats for some years now. He carries the identity of classic technique and exquisite timing. It’s a joy to behold him. In the PSL, Babar is a run-getting machine. He has 2935 runs in 83 matches of PSL, with an average of 43.13 and has crossed the half-century mark 28 times and once entering into the three-digit figures. 

Last season, it was quite an interesting PSL year for him, scoring 522 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 145.40 to end third on the list of top run-scorers. Babar Azam was one of the top 5 players to pick in platinum category in PSL 9 and also this season. He anchored the innings initially and then accelerated for Peshawar Zalmi. 

Recently, Babar displayed an okay showing at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 64 against the Kiwis but, unfortunately, during the match, and just 23 against the Indians while under pressure. These average numbers indicate consistency but do indeed need to change the conversion rate in such major encounters. 

He has been showing a not-so-conforming role in his last outings. It highlights how he intends to work towards building his T20 credentials. Babar Azam approaches PSL 2025 diving into very high expectations. He’ll be crucial at the top of the order for Zalmi, especially on the slow Pakistan pitches.

Mohammad Rizwan – The Resilient Run-Machine

If Babar is graceful, Rizwan is effective. He suffices as a compact batter who can be depended upon with the bat on top of the order. Rizwan has turned into Pakistan’s go-to man when the pressure is on. Rizwan has made a bright star in the PSL for the one who joins Multan Sultans in 2021. He took Multan Sultans to their first title in “2021”. Thereafter, he had two seasons as runner ups.

As of 2024, he has scored 2379 runs in 74 PSL matches at an average of 45.74. This places him among the most trustworthy openers in the T20 league. Also he was among top 5 players to pick in platinum category in PSL 9. He was the second highest scorer in PSL 2023; he scored 550 runs this season with 4 fifties and his best score of *110.

Muhammad Rizwan’s international form has been brilliant. He played a match-winning knock of 122 not out in the recently held Tri-Series 2025 against South Africa. It was through his great innings that Pakistan chased the target of the record. 

His form, which did not live up to expectations in the recent Champions Trophy, like the match against India, where he seemed slow, scoring a mere 46 runs. There were also some missed stumping chances from behind the stumps. Rizwan openly said that the middle-order batting collapsed under pressure, which, clearly, comes under accountability of his leadership. 

As a captain, Rizwan remains cool under pressure. He is quite daring with his bowling changes. The contribution he makes to Multan’s setup is far more than just runs, as he sets the tone for the team.

Head-to-Head in PSL

When comparing the two directly in the PSL:

Both have excellent records, but Rizwan’s higher average and match-winning contributions give him a slight edge in T20 consistency. However, Babar’s superior stroke-making and greater variety of shots make him more versatile in different conditions.

Form Heading into PSL 2025

Form matters more than records when it comes to a T20 tournament.

• Babar Azam has been working on his strike rate and intent. In warm-up games and international T20s earlier this year, he showed signs of improvement, often striking above 140.
  
• Rizwan remains consistent but sometimes faces criticism for his slower starts. However, he makes up for it with acceleration in the latter part of his innings.

Both are fit, motivated, and under pressure to deliver for their teams—and fans.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Who Will Dominate PSL 2025?

This might be a difficult question to ask. If the tournament favors technical excellence and big match temperament, Babar could dominate. If the team’s cohesion, leadership, and consistency matter more, Rizwan could outshine his teammate.

But one thing is certain—PSL 2025 will be defined by their rivalry and brilliance. Whether it’s a top-order classic from Babar or a chasing masterclass from Rizwan, these two are bound to steal the spotlight.