Played one down for Pakistan even though I wasn't satisfied: Babar Azam

Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam on Monday said he played at number three for the sake of Pakistan, however, he was personally not satisfied with that position.

Talking to media persons, after Zalmi routed Karachi Kings in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match in Karachi, Babar said he had no pressure and whatever decision he took was in the best interest of the country.

Former Pakistan skipper has long served as an opening batsman for the national side, but following criticism over alleged slow strike rate and the Pakistan Cricket Board management’s decision, he started playing at one down. 

However, this PSL season, he has been remarkable with Saim Ayub as his opening pair as he scored five half-centuries in 10 matches. 

Babar praised his opening partner, saying he felt great opening a match with Ayub as they kept communicating about the match situation in the meantime.

“The way of my and Ayub’s playing is different as we strategise (a match),” he said.

The Zalmi skipper said Ayub had become a proper all-rounder and in his form, his team had found an excellent bowling option.

He apprised the media persons that initially they faced trouble in making a combination but later they overcame the issue.

To a query, Babar said he did not pay attention to criticism for he gave performance in the stadium, so there was no need for somebody to tell him anything. “I know my game and I try to enhance it every day,” he said.

To another query, he said he could not describe the pleasant feeling upon hearing people chanting “Babar, Babar”. “It feels great when people call my name,” he added. He tried to provide people happiness through his performance, he maintained.

Zalmi defeat Kings

Pehsawar Zalmi defeated Karachi Kings by two runs in the last-ball nail-biting thriller at the National Stadium Karachi on Monday night.

After posting a 148-run target, Peshawar restricted Karachi to 145/5. Babar’s team reached the playoffs with 13 points, whereas Shan Masood-led Karachi stayed at fifth position with eight points.