HBL PSL 5: Raja opines on Sammy’s exclusion from Zalmi side

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja believes that Peshawar Zalmi missed their regular captain Darren Sammy, during their match against Karachi Kings on Monday in the ongoing Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five.

Pacer Wahab Riaz, who captained the side during Sammy’s absence, said, at the toss, that the all-rounder was rested for the game.

While responding to a question as to whether Zalmi’s lower-order becomes vulnerable due to the all-rounder’s exclusion, Raja spoke about the different aspects of Sammy’s game.      

“Darren Sammy’s batting form and fitness is not good enough right now while he also needs to improve his hitting ability,” said Raja. “But he does really well in the captaincy department. I think Zalmi missed him because of this in the match [against Karachi Kings], although Wahab Riaz is a sensible and aggressive captain. Sammy does intelligent captaincy and is used to this area of the game.”

“If he improves his hitting ability and fitness, he will have an impact on the game and will give huge advantage to the Zalmi side,” he added.  

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A stunning spell of seam and swing bowling from Mohammad Amir helped Karachi Kings record their second successive victory in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as Peshawar Zalmi faltered with both bat and ball in the night game played on Monday.