Romaan Raees praises Babar Azam’s match-winning knock as Peshawar Zalmi dominate Islamabad United in PSL 11 qualifier and secure a spot in the final.
KARACHI: Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam delivered a commanding performance that not only guided Peshawar Zalmi into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final but also reignited discussions about his return to peak form.
Speaking after the qualifier, Islamabad United’s bowling consultant Romaan Raees acknowledged Babar’s exceptional innings, stating that the Zalmi captain appears to have rediscovered his classic rhythm. “It feels like Babar is back to his true form,” Raees said during the post-match press conference.
Raees credited Babar for adapting effectively to Karachi’s challenging pitch conditions, where slower deliveries required technical precision. He emphasized that bowling against a player of Babar’s caliber demands disciplined execution, adding that dismissing him often depends on forcing rare mistakes.
Highlighting Islamabad United’s bowling strength, Raees maintained that the team’s attack has consistently performed well throughout the season. He pointed out previous matches, including a dominant display where their opponents were bowled out for just 85 runs, reinforcing confidence in the squad despite the defeat.
In the high-stakes encounter, Peshawar Zalmi outclassed Islamabad United by 70 runs, sealing their place in the PSL 11 final with authority. The victory further underlined Zalmi’s growing momentum at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Babar Azam’s innings also marked a significant personal milestone, as he crossed the 500-run mark in the ongoing season. With this achievement, he set a new record by becoming the only player in PSL history to score 500 or more runs in four different editions.
The right-handed batter had previously reached this landmark in the 2021, 2023, and 2024 seasons, showcasing remarkable consistency at the highest level of franchise cricket. His latest performance not only strengthens Zalmi’s title hopes but also reaffirms his status as one of the world’s leading batters.
As the final approaches, all eyes will remain on Babar Azam, whose form could prove decisive in determining the PSL 11 champion.
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