PSL 2023: We thought we gave away 20 runs extra at the end – Babar Azam despite win against Quetta Gladiators

Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam reckons his team conceded 20 extra runs towards the end of the innings against Quetta Gladiators despite winning by four wickets at the National Stadium, Karachi on Monday.

The Gladiators posted a fighting score of 154-4 in their 20 overs after Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bowl first. QG were 111-4 after 16.5 overs but Iftikhar Ahmed and Odean Smith were able to add the finishing touches.

Ahmed scored 50 runs from 34 balls whereas Smith played a fine little cameo of 12-ball 25 to help their team go past the 150-run mark. Azam admitted that it was a two-paced wicket and run-scoring wasn’t easy.

However, New Zealand’s all-rounder James Neesham delivered the goods for Peshawar Zalmi as he scored 23-ball 37. Furthermore, Rovman Powell also contributed with 36 runs from 23 balls.

Babar Azam said in the post-match presentation, “The bowlers bowled well in the first six overs. The ball was not coming on and was a bit two paced. Usman benefitted from the start and picked up a couple of wickets in the middle overs. We gave away 20 runs more towards the end, we thought we could restrict them to 130-140. We got ahead with the bat in the powerplay but again lost our way, needed Powell and Neesham to bail us out. The youngsters have a very good opportunity and they execute the plan given to them. Our middle order is very experienced and you have an edge when there are experienced players in your line-up.”

On the other hand, Neesham was awarded the Player of the Match for scoring 37 runs and he also took one wicket in his quota of four overs.

He said after the game, “It was a tough surface. We let them slip towards the end with the ball. You come in and try to keep the required rate under control, that’s what Rovman and myself did. The last thing you want to do is go out there and chew 10-12 balls, putting pressure on the lower order. Playing all over the world helps in knowing what to do and what not to do, that’s why you get the overseas players.”

Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed feels 150 was a par score but admitted his bowlers bowled a lot of boundary balls in the Powerplay overs.

He said after the game, “The pitch was favorable to the bowlers as the ball was not coming on. 150 was a par score but we conceded too many boundary balls at the start. You are happy when the youngsters are doing well and improving. We are confident but there are small mistakes and if we can correct them then we will be good. We have to communicate about what the surface is doing, where to bowl and what kind of field to set. Yes, we are missing him (Sir Viv Richards), hopefully gets well soon and joins us.”