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Babar Azam has been gifted an MG car from Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi, after scoring his 11th T20 century. MG, also known as Morris Garages, is a British car brand founded in 1920. Babar was given the car for his outstanding performance.
Babar Azam's century helped Peshawar Zalmi secure a victory over Islamabad United in PSL 2024, moving them to the third position on the points table. However, their net run rate remains negative at -0.285.
Azam's century led Peshawar to score 201/5 in their 20 overs in Lahore. He shared a 77-run opening partnership with Saim Ayub (38). The lower-order batters also contributed, helping the team cross the 200-run mark. Babar slammed 14 fours and two sixes in his 63-ball innings with a strike rate of 176.19.
In response, Islamabad United managed to reach 193/9, falling short by just 8 runs. Colin Munro belted 71 runs, while Azam Khan contributed 75 runs, as Alex Hales was unavailable due to personal reasons. Peshawar Zalmi's leg break bowler, Arif Yaqoob, took 5/27, playing a crucial role in his team's victory.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Angry Babar Azam threatens fans to hit with bottle after being verbally abused during PSL 2024 match, video goes viral
Babar's mother watches him play cricket for the first time
Azam's exceptional batting performance was witnessed by his mother, who attended her first cricket match to watch her son play. Babar, named the ‘Man of the Match’, expressed that it was the first time his mother had come to watch him play.
“She came for the first time (talking about his mom). Very happy. She always watches from home. Good luck for me that she came and I scored hundred. This is my best one. Saim and I realised pitch was good, so we looked for 200. But then we lost 3 wickets.”
“Paul has a bit of a hamstring problem, so was off the field. Azam got out, so I just took a chance with Yaqoob. All credit to him, didn’t panic, believed in his bowling. Weren’t up to the mark in first two matches. Hope to carry the momentum now” said Babar at the post-match presentation.
ALSO READ: PSL: Massive injury scare for Pakistan as match-winner fast bowler injures bowling shoulder 3 months before T20 World Cup; watch video here
Javed Afridi’s tweet on Babar Azam
Meanwhile, Afridi took to X and shared the exciting news, stating, “MG GIFT FOR BABAR AZAM. HE WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO DRIVE MG ESSENCE. MADE IN PAKISTAN.”
The two teams have faced off 23 times in the PSL with Islamabad United winning 10 matches and Peshawar Zalmi winning 12. The recent game marked Peshawar's 12th victory over Islamabad. Babar Azam joined the franchise last season and led them to the knockout stage. This season, he aims to guide the team to the final.
Babar Azam can reclaim the Pakistan captaincy
Speaking about Babar, reports are suggesting his possible reappointment as Pakistan captain. Renowned Pakistani journalist Qadir Khawaja disclosed that Babar Azam is likely to reclaim the captaincy after the Pakistan Cricket Board's new chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, assumed office following Zaka Ashraf's resignation.
“I had asked Babar Azam to continue as skipper in Test cricket but he told me that he will speak to his family members before taking any decision. However, he went to his manager, who told him to leave the captaincy from all formats,” Zaka Ashraf stated before resigning.
After Babar Azam relinquished the captaincy, Pakistan suffered a Test series defeat against Australia in Australia and a T20I series loss against New Zealand in New Zealand.
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