LAHORE: The cricket fraternity reacted after Babar Azam led his side to a second title as Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Among those who shared their views was Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, who took to social media platform ‘X’ and congratulated Babar on reaching a significant milestone in his career, while also acknowledging the fans’ role in the team’s success.
“Peshawar Zalmi are the champions of PSL 11! What an incredible journey and a truly dominant performance. From start to finish, they exuded class, passion and determination,” Shehzad wrote.
“Congratulations to Babar Assam on winning its first trophy.”
“Congratulations to the team and their fans, this win belongs to you,” he added.
Former Pakistan captain and newly appointed Red-Ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed hailed the successful organization of the tournament and praised the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board and its leadership for delivering a high-quality event despite challenging conditions.
“It was truly a great achievement to deliver such a fantastic match under challenging conditions. Special kudos to Pakistan Circuit Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Sahab,” Sarfaraz wrote.
“The passion energy and quality of cricket well done to all who did Great John for the hard work, dedication and professional performance of Salman Naseer and his entire team,” he added.
Younis Khan, who led Pakistan to glory in the 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, also praised Peshawar Zalmi for their dominant campaign in the Pakistan Super League Season 11 final.
The experienced batsman praised the team’s consistency throughout the tournament and highlighted Babar Azam’s leadership as a key factor behind their title-winning run.
“Congratulations to Peshawar Zalmi for winning the PSL for the 2nd time. An incredible journey throughout the tournament and of course a great team, led by Babar Azam, who were outstanding,” Younis Khan wrote.
Former Pakistan team director and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has hailed Peshawar Zalmi’s title-winning campaign in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, praising the collective efforts of the franchise’s leadership, coaching staff and players following their victory in the tournament.
“Congratulations to Peshawar Zalmi for winning PSL 11. Javed Afridi, Babar Azam, Misbah-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Azhar Mahmood, Otis Gibson & Muhammad Akram. Job well done,” wrote Hafeez.
Notably, Zalmi beat the spirited Kingsmen by five wickets in a thrilling final at the Gaddafi Stadium here.
Zalmi skipper Babar’s decision to field first paid dividends as the tournament debutants were bowled out for 129 in 18 overs despite a brave half-century from Saim Ayub.
The left-handed batsman struggled on his own for the Kingsmen and scored a cautious 54 off 50 balls with 5 fours and two sixes.
In turn, Zalmi chased down the 130-run target with 5 wickets and 28 balls to spare, aided by an 85-run partnership between Aaron Hardy and Abdul Samad for the fifth wicket.
The duo rescued Zalmi from 40/4 and put them in touching distance with 48 off 34 balls until Samad was dismissed, while Hardy top-scored with 56 off 39 balls with 9 fours.
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