PSL 2023: This was a 180-200 wicket – Babar Azam after loss against Islamabad United

Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam admitted they were well short of a par score against Islamabad United after suffering a six-wicket loss at the National Stadium, Karachi on Thursday. PSZ could only post 156-8 after they were put into bat by Shadab Khan.

PSZ got off to a rollicking start as their openers – Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris – added 76 runs in the first seven overs. Haris scored a fine knock of 21-ball 40 whereas Azam scored 75 runs from 58 balls but their middle-order could not make any substantial contribution.

After their dismissal, only Dasun Shanaka (11) could get into the double digits as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Babar Azam said in the post-match presentation, “We had a good start and executed our plans till then, but we lost back-to-back wickets. Hasan Ali bowled well and we lost the momentum. We tried to get it back but it was too late and we didn’t get any partnerships. This was a 180-200 wicket. We are starting well but are not finishing strongly and that is an area we need to work on. But there are positives, especially with the way Haris is batting in the powerplay. I started well but didn’t finish the way I would have liked, it would have been different if there was a proper batter to support me at the other end.”

Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers for Islamabad United as he returned with impressive figures of 3-35 in his quota of four overs and thus he was awarded the Player of the match.

He said after the game, “I kept believing in myself and worked hard to get back. The first over didn’t go to plan but I came back well. Thanks to the management for always backing me and telling me I am a tiger. I would also like to thank my wife who keeps pushing me and believing in me. When I got the ball in my second spell, the credit goes to Shadab for believing me and giving the ball after a poor first over.”

Shadab Khan admitted that it was a slow pitch and feels his bowlers did a great job after the Powerplay overs.

He said, “No, definitely not (doubting his decision to bowl first). They played well in the first six overs but we didn’t bowl well. The hard length was the way to go on this surface. Once I bowled, I got to know that the pitch was slow and that’s what I told Hasan Ali as well. We are a data-driven franchise and believe a lot in matchups. It is hectic but it is a good thing to have a strong bench strength (on Alex Hales joining the team). I want to mention Asif Ali, he didn’t play the last game but we believe in him, and is one of the best batters at number six. I think we won’t go (back to the hotel) and will stay here (for tomorrow’s game).”

Peshawar Zalmi will face Lahore Qalandars on Sunday.