Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam has apologised to his opening partner Saim Ayub for the run-out at a crucial time of the chase against Quetta Gladiators in the second game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine on Sunday in Lahore.
Zalmi had a thrilling start as Saim and Azam were well set on the crease and were heading towards 100 for no loss. However, in the ninth over, a misunderstanding between the two batters cost them a big blow. Saim lost his wicket after getting run out leaving his side 91-1 in 8.4 overs.
In the post-match ceremony, Babar accepted his mistake for the run-out and apologised to the young batter.
"The run-out was the turning point," Babar said. "We were building a good partnership and looking to take the partnership long into the innings. Unfortunately it was my mistake and I've said sorry to Saim," he added.
It must be noted that Quetta defeated Peshawar by 16 runs. Babar and Co. were going swimmingly about their business after that terrific stand between Saim Ayub (42) and Babar Azam (68).
They did the bulk of the scoring, but it looks like they left too much for a middle-order that couldn't settle in and adjust to the conditions quickly enough. The last ten overs belonged to Quetta Gladiators and that needless runout of Saim allowed Quetta to sneak back into the game.
Abrar Ahmad got some timely wickets in the middle phase and then Mohammad Amir rose to the occasion with some tight overs that made the equation tough for Peshawar.
Earlier, Saud Shakeel mastered the opening role and scored a stylish 74 alongside Jason Roy, who was severe on the bowlers right from the word go. He finished on 48-ball 75.
The platform was set, but Quetta Gladiators squandered the opportunity to post an even more imposing total as Peshawar Zalmi managed to pull things back in the last five overs. The spin did well, but there was no specialist spinner in the attack and this Peshawar attack seemed to be lacking in this department.
- Saim Ayub
