He Pakistan Super League (PSL) between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi is underway and Quetta Gladiators are off to a magnificent start with opener Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel adding 157 runs for the opening partnership. Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi conceded 206 runs in their first game as Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel took the bowlers by storm. The first wicket was taken by Saud Shakeel’s Luke Wood, who departed after scoring 74 off 47 deliveries.
Babar Azam he took an excellent catch to dismiss Saud Shakeel, who smashed six fours and four sixes in his innings of 74 against Peshawar Zalmi. Quetta Gladiators finished their innings with a total of 206/5 and now Peshawar Zalmi need 207 runs to win their first game of this season in the PSL. Babar Azam and Saim Ayub will open the batting for Peshawar Zalmi and it will be a tough challenge chasing 207 in Lahore.
Luke Wood bowled a short delivery which was hit by Saud Shakeel with a flat bat towards mid off and Babar Azam ran towards it from mid on and completed a brilliant catch. Babar Azam covered a lot of distance to complete the catch and showed his agility in the field. Now the challenge is to chase 207 against Quetta Gladiators and it will be a tough challenge for Peshawar Zalmi. Quetta Gladiators have a strong bowling attack with players like Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed and Akeal Hossein.
Peshawar Zalmi also has a strong batting attack with players like Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali and Mohammad Haris. The catch taken by Babar Azam has shown his intention and if he bats with the same intention then it is possible that Peshawar Zalmi can win the game against Quetta Gladiators. Babar Azam was recently removed from his starting position in Pakistan and needs to perform in the PSL to regain that position.
Watch: Babar Azam takes incredible running catch in PSL to dismiss Saud Shakeel
A great catch from Zalmi captain Babar Azam to end a gigantic opening stand! ☝️#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #QGvPZ pic.twitter.com/YwbZaumaTA
— Pakistan Super League (@thePSLt20) February 18, 2024
Pakistan Super League 2024 began on Saturday, February 17 with Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United kicking off. Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalandars in the match by eight wickets while chasing 196. Babar Azam will be hoping to start their PSL 2024 campaign with a win and they have to chase a mammoth 207 to get their first win of this season. Peshawar Zalmi reached the second place in the rankings last season but were defeated by Lahore Qalandars, who won the league last season.
Babar Azam won the PSL in 2020 with Karachi Kings and was also the Player of the Tournament that season. Peshawar Zalmi will be hoping for a similar performance from their captain, who is also the Pakistan Super League’s leading run-scorer. He will hope to win the PSL again with Peshawar Zalmi this time as they have only won the league once, in 2017.