Image Source: X.com
[Saba Sports News] Simon Doull, the former New Zealand cricketer turned commentator, praised Babar Azam for his outstanding performance in the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where the Peshawar Zalmi captain scored an unbeaten 111 from 63 deliveries against Islamabad United.
This remarkable innings, which included 14 fours and 2 sixes, led to a strike rate of 176.19 and earned him the Player of the Match award. Doull, who had previously criticized Babar for prioritizing personal milestones over team needs during a PSL match, highlighted the cricketer’s improved approach and strike rate in this game.
“Rather than putting the team first… the last little while, that’s all that’s been happening. Rather than looking for boundaries, still so much firepower to come. Hundreds are brilliant, stats are great, but it has to be team first,” Doull said.
Babar’s innings helped set a strong foundation for Peshawar Zalmi, who, after being asked to bat first, quickly racked up 77 runs for the first wicket. Despite losing his opening partner, Saim Ayub, for 38, Babar continued his aggressive batting, reaching his century in just 59 balls and guiding his team to a total of 202.
Despite half-centuries from Colin Munro and Azam Khan and their 108-run partnership, Islamabad United fell short in their chase, ending at 193 all out, thanks to a five-wicket haul (5/27) from leg-spinner Arif Yakoob. This victory by eight runs placed Peshawar Zalmi third in the standings, with three wins in five matches, while Islamabad United are fifth, having won only one of their four games.