Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: A stunning century from Babar Azam powered Peshawar Zalmi to a massive 118-run win, grabbing attention across the cricket world. While the knock earned widespread praise from former Pakistan stars Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal, both were quick to caution against reading too much into it when it comes to Babar’s international form.Basit was particularly impressed with the quality of Babar’s innings, calling it one of the finest seen in the PSL. A big factor behind Babar’s success, according to the experts, has been his partnership with Kusal Mendis, who scored 83 off 44 in the match.
Kamran explained, “When Mendis scored his hundred, Babar gave him big support. This time Babar scored the hundred and Mendis gave him big support,” adding, “This combination is suiting Peshawar Zalmi very well.” Basit agreed, noting how this partnership has allowed Babar to play more freely: “In the last two or three years, there was no batter alongside him… Mendis has made a big difference.” Despite the praise, both analysts rejected the idea that this innings answers questions about Babar’s international performances. Basit stated clearly, “There is a world of difference between international cricket and PSL.” He added, “If Babar shows even fifty percent of this standard in international cricket, we will praise him… You cannot mix PSL with that. This is not top bowling. These are not top teams.”Kamran echoed the sentiment, adding, “In the Pakistan team, there is no batting lineup like this. Sometimes they send him at four, sometimes at three; it hurts him and it hurts the team.”
