HBL PSL 5: Peshawar likely to make one change for Multan semi

Peshawar Zalmi’s former captain Darren Sammy is likely to be a part of his side in their encounter against Multan Sultans’ during the first semi-final of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five.

According to details, Sammy spent more than an hour in the practice nets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Monday, while working on his batting technique. He faced fast-bowlers such as Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali and Rahat Ali during the practice session and played with intent — hitting multiple balls beyond the boundary line.

Peshawar Zalmi’s current head coach has played four matches in the ongoing HBL PSL 5 as the captain of the franchise. Fast-bowler Wahab Riaz succeeded Sammy as the franchise captain after the latter assumed the responsibilities of the head coach. The franchise, however, left the door open to include Sammy in the playing XI if the need arose.

All foreign players, who were earlier part of the side, of the Zalmi franchise have left the country amid the global coronavirus outbreak. The franchise will now have to rely on the services of Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, who was brought in as a replacement, and Sammy during the remaining matches. In the event that Sammy is part of the playing XI, the captain would still be Wahab Riaz.

South Africa’s former batsman Hashim Amla is also with the side facilitating training and practice sessions. However, the South African is a mentor in the side and cannot be part of the playing XI.

Officials in the Peshawar Zalmi camp have clarified that a final decision would be taken on the morning of the match. Sammy had previously participated in a training session in Karachi as well.