Babar misses former coach Arthur after Kings’ win over Zalmi

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Karachi Kings opened their HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 campaign with a thrilling 10-run win over Peshawar Zalmi at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday.

Right-arm pacer Umaid Asif defended 16 runs off the last over as Kings successful guarded their 201 for four.

Liam Livingstone, batting at five, scored 54 not out from 29 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes, and crafted a crucial 62-run partnership with Darren Sammy (30 off 20) to keep the chase alive after Zalmi had lost five wickets for 128 runs in 14.3 overs.

With 43 off 26 balls, Kamran Akmal was the other notable contributor with the bat as Zalmi scored 191 for seven in 20 overs. The opener struck five fours and two sixes.

Umaid and Chris Jordan equally shared four wickets between them for 23 and 39 runs. Mohammad Amir and Cameron Delport took a wicket each. Hasan Ali (two for 52) and Mohammad Mohsin (one for 35) were the wicket-takers for Peshawar Zalmi.

Earlier, Babar Azam and Imad Wasim scored half-centuries after Sammy, the Zalmi captain, opted to bowl first.

Babar, later named man of the match, scored 78 off 56, hitting seven fours and two sixes, and Imad smashed three fours and three sixes in his 30-ball 50. The pair crafted a solid 97-run partnership for the third-wicket.

While replying to a question in the post-match press conference, Babar admitted that he missed former Karachi Kings Head Coach Mickey Arthur but was looking forward to working with the franchise's new coach Dean Jones.

"We obviously miss him [Arthur] since we have really good memories with him," said Babar. "However, we cannot dwell on the past and need to move forward."

Arthur was the head coach of the Kings since the first season of the tournament until he was replaced for the fifth season.

Babar was also happy to team up with left-hand opener Sharjeel Khan and believes the latter will eventually come good later in the tournament.

"Sharjeel Khan made a good start, but unfortunately got out without making a big score," he said. "However, if you look at his few shots today, he looked in the same touch as he was when he left."

"Obviously, there is pressure if you are making a comeback after two and half years, but we are giving him confidence and support so hopefully he will perform well in future," he added.

In their next matches, Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings play Quetta Gladiators on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, at the National Stadium.