In a thrilling PSL 2024 encounter on Friday, Peshawar Zalmi secured a five-run victory over the Multan Sultans. It marks their first win in the tournament. Posting a commendable total of 179 runs, the Zalmi owed their success to the collective brilliance of their batting lineup. The Sultans, in pursuit of the challenging target, fell short by a mere five runs in a closely contested match.
However, amidst the on-field action, the spotlight shifted to an incident involving Pakistani batting sensation Babar Azam and the Multan crowd. In a video circulating on social media, the crowd can be heard chanting ‘Zimbabar.’ It is a reference to the trolling Babar has faced for his outstanding performances against Zimbabwe.
Here is the video:
This is really unacceptable, Never expected this from Multan fans.. ???? pic.twitter.com/MgZWQlO8oR
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 24, 2024
Despite being a consistent performer against top teams, the prolific batter has often been targeted for his exceptional success against Zimbabwe. He boasts an impressive ODI average of 114.75 against the African nation.
Babar Azam continues to shine in the ongoing PSL!
In the video, Babar’s reaction is palpable as he visibly expresses his frustration towards the crowd’s derogatory chants. However, the authenticity of the footage has been questioned by some fans. It nonetheless highlights the challenges that even celebrated players like Babar Azam face in dealing with crowd banter and trolling.
Despite the off-field drama, Babar has showcased exceptional form in the ongoing PSL season. He has accumulated 171 runs at an impressive average of 57 and a strike rate of 143.69. As Peshawar Zalmi gears up for their next clash against Lahore Qalandars in the 12th group-stage game on Sunday, Babar Azam’s performance remains a key factor in the team’s pursuit of success in the tournament.
The incident serves as a reminder of the pressures and scrutiny that come with being a high-profile athlete, even amid sporting triumphs. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Lahore Qalandars will take on the Karachi Kings.
