Babar Azam reveals reason behind PSL 2024 Eliminator loss against Islamabad United
The 29-year-old is the highest run-scorer of the tournament
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam opened up after his side lost to Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine in Karachi.
Speaking after the game, the 29-year-old said that their bowling efforts were really bad in the second half of United innings.
"I think we were in a good position after 10 overs. But our bowling after that was very bad. We weren't up to the mark and we thought we had won the match," he said.
"We were ahead but after that, we bowled ordinarily," he added.
Imad Wasim and Haider Ali formed a 98-run stand for the sixth wicket after United were reeling at 91/5 while chasing 186.
Imad scored his first fifty of the season, remaining unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls while Haider smashed 29-ball 52 with five massive sixes and two fours.
"Credit to Imad and Haider for how they played," Babar hailed the duo on their partnership.
At the start of the chase, United had a horrible start, losing three wickets within four overs with only 21 runs on the board.
In-form opener Martin Guptill briefly fought back, notably scoring 22 runs in an over against Saim Ayub, before being dismissed by Khurram Shehzad on the final delivery of the batting powerplay.
Guptill remained a notable contributor for the United, scoring 34 runs off 21 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
With the scoreboard showing 50/4 after six overs, Azam Khan partnered with Imad in an attempt to stage a recovery.
The pair batted sensibly for around five overs until Luke Wood dismissed Azam (22) on the last delivery of the 11th over, hampering United's recovery efforts but Imad and Haider guided them to a thrilling win.
This is United's first PSL final since 2018 and they will face Multan Sultans on March 18 at the same venue.
Earlier, Saim Ayub’s flamboyant 73-run innings, coupled with Mohammad Haris’ 40, propelled Zalmi to 185/5.
Naseem Shah led the bowling attack for United, claiming figures of 3/30 in his four overs, while Shadab and Obed McCoy chipped in with one wicket each.
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