LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam has put an end to speculation about his batting status in the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Speaking to Ramis Raja after Saturday’s toss at the Gaddafi Stadium, the former Champions captain gave a measured but firm response to the long-running debate.
He outlined his role with clarity, stressing that his decision was motivated by the structural needs of the team rather than personal ambition.
“In this match, I will open the innings. This position suits me. There will be different opinions, but the best position for me is where the team needs me,” Babur said.
The 31-year-old has been one of the most dominant players in the PSL and currently holds the record for the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
He has amassed 3,792 runs in 101 matches at an average of 44.61 and a strike rate of 127.50, including 36 fifties and two centuries.
In T20 Internationals, Babar has played 145 matches for Pakistan, scoring 4,596 runs at a strike rate of 128.02, scoring 39 fifties and three centuries.
At the time of this report, Peshawar Zalmi were under pressure as RawalPindiz’s debutants made a strong start.
The opposition’s opening pair—Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan—wreaked havoc with an aggressive batting display, moving the scoreboard at a rapid pace.
Both reached a century, Yasir notching his third PSL half-century as they reached 105 for no loss after ten consecutive overs.
However, when Ali Raza dismissed Rizwan for 41 off 32 balls, the team were 125-1 in 12.1 overs.