The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been an entertaining watch so far. It has lived up to the reputation and expectations of a modern-day T20 League. As such, a closely fought game between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi on Day 2 of PSL had already made headlines for Kings’ pacer Mohammad Amir showing aggression and throwing the ball in Zalmi skipper Babar Azam’s direction. Former Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi has broken his silence on the issue.
“Whenever a player doesn’t perform, or even if he does, I drop him a message to call him. Likewise, I messaged Amir yesterday. I talked to him respectfully, but I also scolded him. I told Amir, ‘what do you want?’ You have gained so much respect; you faced a blot on your reputation, and from there, you made a return. You got a new life, in a way. What are you even trying to do “said allrounder Afridi.
“Ye koi tareeka hai? (Is this the way to play?) There are juniors around you; you are using bad words. There are fans who are disheartened to see that. Even we have used such words, and sometimes, the camera used to catch us. There are families, kids watching you on television. Aggression is fine, but keep it under control “, he added.
Here’s a video of the incident:
Mohammad Amir didn't hide his emotions as he threw the ball in anger after Babar Azam smashed him for a four in PSL.#PSL2023 #MohammedAmir #BabarAzam? @OfficialPSLpic.twitter.com/uyNfIajdAg
— Rise Cricket (@Rise_Cricket) February 15, 2023
Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi clinched a narrow 2-run victory
Talking of the game, the Karachi Kings won the toss, forcing Zalmi to bat first. Riding on skipper Babar Azam’s 68 off 46 and Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s exceptional 92 off 50, the Zalmi managed to set a target of 200 runs for the Kings, losing just five wickets on the way. Mir Hamza was a key performer for the Kings, who picked up a wicket while conceding runs at an economy of just 6.5 and ran out the dangerous Saim Ayub.
In reply, the Kings got off to a shaky start, with opener Sharjeel Khan dismissed for a golden duck. Matthew Wade, with 23, was the top scorer in their top order. Luckily, Shoaib Malik and skipper Imad Wasim were in their element as they tried to rescue the Kings’ innings, getting them closer to the target. Malik was dismissed at the score of 177 in the second delivery of the 19th over. Wasim did his best to get the Kings over the finish line but fell short by just three runs at the end.
