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‘Peshawar lost because of Babar’s Selfish Test knock’- Fans blame Babar Azam for Peshawar Zalmi’s defeat in Eliminator 2 and not reaching the final of PSL 2023
Lahore Qalandars booked their place in the final of the 2023 edition of Pakistan Super League 2023 after beating Peshawar Zalmi by 4 wickets on Friday. For the first time this season, the Qalandars successfully chased down a target and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Chasing a steep total of 172 runs, the Qalandars didn’t start well as they lost Fakhar Zaman in just the second over.
However, Mirza Tahir Baig toiled hard at the other end. Lahore lost Bhatti (15) and Shafique (10) in short intervals but Baig ensured that the runs kept coming at a steady pace. He joined hands with Sam Billings and added 50 runs for the fourth wicket to take his team closer to the target. Aemar Jamal, eventually, broke the partnership in the 13th over but Sikandar Raza’s brilliant 14-ball 23-run cameo meant Qalandars chased down the score with ease in the end.
With that result, Peshawar Zalmi’s hope of lifting the title also came crashing down. They posted a decent score of 171 in the first innings. Saim Ayub got out early but Babar Azam (42 of 36) and M Haris (85 off 54) put on 89 runs for the second wicket to put Zalmi in a pretty good position at the half way stage of the innings.
However, in the last nine overs, the Zalmi had managed close to 90 runs with still 9 wickets in hand. Haris was tonking the ball to all parts at one end but he received little support at the other end. The likes of Cadmore (0) and Jamal (1) got out on single-digit scores. Rajapaksa, though, played a handy knock of 25 off 18 balls.
However, as it turned out, the total didn’t prove enough. Following the defeat, the fans heavily trolled Babar Azam for his ‘selfish’ knock in the important game. Here’s a look at some of the reactions
Sack selfish babar immediately. Single handedly lost the game in powerplay playing a test innings
— Roshan (@tennisicon1) March 17, 2023
Ximbu's selfish test Innings 😹😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/1a6eytMA9X
— NixZTer (Inactive till 2024 Feb) (@Nixz1540) March 17, 2023
Laugh at zimbu
— Abhinand achuzz (@ravisha47243966) March 17, 2023
𝐙𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐫
— Wellwisher (@shubhambodke07) March 17, 2023
To tm bol rhe pz is not best
— سعد (@subhukVaav) March 17, 2023
Babar scored 42 of 36 balls SR 116
I can say a fast test inning— سعد (@subhukVaav) March 17, 2023
Babar as captain is Psl
total 21 matches
won 6 matches
lost 15 matches
win % 28.57
Most runs in loosing cause as a captain and strike rate around 125— Shubham Sharma (@Shubham64359324) March 17, 2023
Peshawar lost because of Babar's Selfish Test knock. 42 of 36 balls 😭😂🤣
— Cricket Crazy (@CrazyinCricket) March 17, 2023
Sack selfish babar immediately. Single handedly lost the game in powerplay playing a test innings
— Roshan (@tennisicon1) March 17, 2023
Gobar gya 😂🤣🤣🤣
— Maaz (@QaziBil83389841) March 17, 2023
Well Played Babar Azam
Scored crucial match winning knock of 42 with 116 SR for Lahore
Thats why he is the GOAT pic.twitter.com/XcxEB0MfS4— 🆁🅰🅳🅸🅾🅽 (@RadionKohli74) March 17, 2023