In the ongoing Pakistan Super League, star batter Babar Azam has found himself at the centre of attention for his batting and the questions surrounding it. Leading Peshawar Zalmi against Hyderabad Kingsmen on Wednesday in Karachi, Babar played a major knock of 43 runs from 37 deliveries, guiding his side through a modest chase of 146. Though they chased down the total, it took Zalmi until the final ball to seal the victory. Babar’s innings reflected his trademark composure as his performance ensured stability after they lost a few crucial players early.
But what has become the talking point is Babar's inability to convert a promising start into a match-defining innings. The post-match press conference added fuel to the fire, with a journalist asking Babar about his struggle to close out games, drawing comparisons with Indian stalwart Virat Kohli, who is known to guide chases to completion. Babar, however, was quick to dismiss the notion, describing such comparisons as misguided.
"Virat Kohli comes with the same shot of game as you, but he finishes the match, which you lack. People compare him with you. What are your views on the comparison?" the journalist asked.
“Let’s end this here. Please leave this question. End the comparison and move on,” Babar said.
“I have finished a lot of matches. It’s your misconception that I have not finished matches; I have finished many matches,” Babar stated.
Meanwhile, despite Babar not staying till the end, Zalmi managed to clinch victory, with an important contribution from Iftikhar Ahmed, whose 15-run knock proved decisive as Peshawar registered a four-wicket win. They are now set to face Karachi Kings on Thursday in Karachi. Overall, Peshawar Zalmi have played three games in the tournament, winning two and losing one.