‘Babar Azam is promoting youngsters at Peshawar Zalmi’

Peshawar Zalmi all-rounder, Aamer Jamal, heaped praise on his franchise skipper, Babar Azam, for promoting youngsters in their squad.

While speaking in the post-match press conference on Wednesday, the all-rounder said that they can’t imagine their team without Babar.

“Babar as a captain is very cool and calm. He has been very kind to everyone and especially the youngsters. He has been promoting youngsters and boosting their morale in every situation,” Jamal said.

“We can’t see Babar Azam anywhere else. We should definitely give him the respect that he deserves,” he added.

ALSO READ: See your level before criticising Babar Azam: Iftikhar Ahmed

Zalmi defeated Karachi Kings in what was the first match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 8 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. That they would even win this contest seemed an improbable proposition after they were three down for two runs, but a brilliant fight back from the middle-order and a disciplined show with the ball secured them a win by 24 runs.

Perfect display of team work yesterday. Everyone stepped up and some exhibition by the young guns. pic.twitter.com/oLGaXqSUfQ

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) March 2, 2023

It was a heroic half-century by Haseebullah, the HBL PSL debutant, that instilled believe in the Peshawar Zalmi camp that they could make a comeback after Mohammad Amir had cleaned up the entire top-order in 2.2 overs. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Rovman Powell used the platform set by that innings perfectly by propelling Peshawar Zalmi to 197 with solid fifties.

Chasing 197, Kings’ skipper Imad Wasim top-scored with 57 not out in 30 balls, hitting as many as 10 fours and a six, but it was all too late for Karachi Kings.

Aamir Jamal finished with three for 43 – following wickets of Aamer Yamin and Tabraiz Shamsi on consecutive balls.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi have made it two in two over Karachi Kings this season after they edged out in a thriller by two runs earlier in the tournament.