LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam shared his thoughts after his side’s 5-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in the opening match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Speaking in the post-match presentation, Babbar highlighted the importance of maximizing the powerplay and praised his middle order for adapting to the match situation.
He also pointed out the advantage of chasing in Lahore, especially because of the snow.
“We wanted to use the first six overs and take advantage of that momentum. Our middle order responded well and batted according to the conditions. If there is ice, you want to bowl first and chase. In most of the matches, chasing worked well. I hope I can do better,” Babbar said.
Meanwhile, skipper Mohammad Rizwan, despite a strong batting display, lapses in bowling action proved costly.
“Our batsmen are in form but we need to improve our execution and solve some issues with our bowling,” said Rizwan.
Zalmi started their campaign on a winning note by beating Rawalpindis by five wickets in a high-scoring encounter.
With a good start from openers Yasir Khan and Rizwan, Bintis started to bat and piled on 214 for 4 in 20 overs. The pair kept the scoreboard moving with aggressive stroke play and regular fours.
Yasir scored 83 runs off 46 balls including 7 fours and 6 sixes while Rizwan scored 41 runs off 32 balls with 5 fours and a six.
In reply, with notable contributions from Babar, Mohammad Haris, Gusal Mendis, Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell, Zalmi successfully chased down the target of 215 runs for the loss of five wickets.
Zalmi got off to a brilliant start with Babar and Haris putting together a lively opening partnership. The duo added 50 runs in five overs and extended their stand to 78 runs before Asif Afridi dismissed Babar with a 28-ball 39.
Harris continued the momentum but was eventually dismissed by Amat Butt after scoring 47 off 28 balls, leaving Zalmi on 96 for 2 at the halfway stage.
Mendis then accelerated the scoring, putting pressure on the opposition bowlers to take the total past 100, although Aaron Hardy struggled to find rhythm at the other end.
Samath and Bracewell anchored the innings with a crucial partnership, taking Zalmi past 150. However, Mohammad Amir made 33 off 11 balls to end the match.
Amir Jamal hit a six off his first ball to cross the 200-run mark.
Jamal was unbeaten on 17 off 5 balls off the first ball of the final over, while Bracewell was unbeaten on 35 off 17 balls including a four and 4 sixes.