Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) captain Babar Azam sidestepped comparisons with Virat Kohli following Peshawar Zalmi’s nail-biting victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen at the National Stadium in Karachi. The win came down to the final ball of the 20th over, with Iftikhar Ahmed and Aamer Jamal holding their nerve to seal the win. Speaking after the match, Babar Azam seemed slightly irked when questioned about his ability to finish games and comparisons with Kohli. He shifted the focus to the importance of match awareness and team requirements, emphasizing that adapting to the situation is key. “You can put the question to rest,” Babar said, “but you’ll acknowledge the need to work on it, particularly on finishing.” He explained that everything hinges on the condition or scenario, including the run rate, how to approach the game, and how the pitch is behaving. He added that finishing games depends on reading conditions rather than individual comparisons, highlighting the significance of adapting to the situation. The Zalmi captain also highlighted the difficulty of executing shots under pressure and the importance of staying true to his strengths. “Sometimes you think it’s an easy pitch, but you can’t execute, shots are hit but not finding the gaps,” he said. He said that in such moments, he reminds himself of his strengths and his game plan, focusing on his best way of playing. He emphasized that improvement takes time, sometimes months, and that he has finished many matches, even if it may not always be perceived that way. Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen, led by Marnus Labuschagne, were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs, struggling against Peshawar’s spin attack led by Iftikhar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem. The top order failed to build momentum, with Maaz Sadaqat scoring 17 and Saim Ayub adding 14. Sharjeel Khan was dismissed for two, while Usman Khan fell for a golden duck. Kusal Perera provided resistance with 58 off 35 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Labuschagne scored 27 off 27 deliveries with three boundaries, while Irfan Khan and Hassan Khan managed nine runs each. Maheesh Theekshana and Hunain Shah were dismissed without scoring. In reply, Peshawar Zalmi chased the target on the final ball of the 20th over. Iftikhar Ahmed (15 not out) and Aamer Jamal (6 not out) held their nerve to seal the win. Babar led the chase with 43 off 37 balls, hitting six fours, while Kusal Mendis (27) and Michael Bracewell (25) played key supporting roles to keep the innings on track.
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