Hyderabad Kingsmen head coach Jason Gillespie has emphasized the need for his players to take responsibility for their performances, particularly in the top order, following another disappointing loss to Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) at National Bank Stadium. Gillespie reflected on recent matches, highlighting areas that require improvement, including batting consistency, individual accountability, and crucial game execution. Despite recent setbacks, the former Australia all-rounder remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. Gillespie confirmed that Glenn Maxwell is expected to be available for the next couple of games, pending final confirmation. The coach acknowledged that the team has been close to securing victories in recent matches, particularly the last two, but has failed to capitalize on opportunities. Gillespie, 50, who has also coached Pakistan, was candid in his assessment of the team’s top-order struggles. He emphasized that players are accountable for their performances, regardless of the talent within the squad. “If you’re selected to play for Hyderabad, you’re expected to deliver,” Gillespie stated. The coach noted that while certain aspects of the team’s performance are encouraging, consistency remains a major issue. He pointed to two key phases in the latest defeat where the team lost control. “Tonight’s game came down to two pivotal moments with the bat in hand,” Gillespie said. “We lost wickets in the first six overs and again towards the end, despite a promising partnership between Marnus and Kusal. We know we need to improve, and we will.” Batting first, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 145 in 18.2 overs, with Peshawar Zalmi’s spin duo, Iftikhar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, dominating the middle overs. The Kingsmen’s top order struggled, with Maaz Sadaqat scoring 17 and Saim Ayub making 14. Sharjeel Khan was dismissed for two, while Usman Khan fell for a golden duck. Kusal Perera stood out with a strong innings of 58 off 35 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Marnus Labuschagne added 27 off 27 balls with three boundaries. Irfan Khan and Hassan Khan scored nine runs each, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hunain Shah were dismissed without scoring. In response, Peshawar Zalmi faced some difficulty during the chase but reached 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 secure the win. Captain Babar Azam led the scoring with 43 off 37 balls, hitting six fours. Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell contributed 27 and 25 runs, respectively, to keep the chase on track.
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