Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi have suffered two consecutive defeats despite posting mammoth total in the first innings. First, it was Quetta Gladiators’ opener Jason Roy who scored an unbeaten 145 on March 8. Sarfaraz Ahmed who was ruled out due to injury was happy with his team’s win and met Multan Sultans players before their clash. Sarfaraz had an unusual way to motivate Sultans players before their clash against Zalmi.
“Zalmi ko aisa harao ke sannate mai aa jaaye (Beat Zalmi in a fashion that they fall into silence),” Ahmed can be said saying in a clip that has gone viral on social media.
In the next game, Multan Sultans' Rilee Rossouw's 121 took the game away from the Peshawar-based franchise. They chased down 243 with five balls to spare. Apart from the fastest PSL century by Rossouw, Kieron Pollard scored 52 runs from 25 deliveries. Anwar Ali's 8-ball 24 and Usama Mir's three-ball 11.
In both the innings, Azam did well with the bat. Against Gladiators, he scored his maiden PSL century but three of his bowlers leaked more than 50 runs each. Against Rizwan-led Sultans, he scored 73 runs off 39 deliveries to help Zalmi post 242/6. This time Azmatullah Omarzai went for 62 runs in his full quota of four overs. Arshad Iqbal was expensive as well.
After two losses, Zalmi have slipped to fourth place. Their net run rate has also taken a hit. Zalmi's qualification will now depend on their next clash against Islamabad United at Pindi Club Ground, Rawalpindi on March 12.
“Jason Roy changed the game totally. Bowling was not up to the mark, what we discussed we did not execute. Having one more spinner wouldn't have helped as the pitch was great. We wanted to carry on with the same combination from last game. The way Saim Ayub started, it helped carry on the momentum, as a youngster he is improving day by day and it's good for Pakistan cricket. As a professional, you need to identify a few things and we will sit and discuss what went wrong,” Azam had said after loss to Gladiators.
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