Babar Azam Hails Maaz Sadaqat’s Stellar Debut in PSL

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi’s skipper, Babar Azam, lauded the impressive performance of 19-year-old Maaz Sadaqat after his match-winning innings against Islamabad United in their recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) encounter.

In his first-ever PSL game, Sadaqat shone brightly, crafting a remarkable 55 runs from just 33 deliveries, adorned with four boundaries and three towering sixes.

His composed yet forceful innings was instrumental in Zalmi’s recovery from an initial setback, guiding them towards a convincing six-wicket triumph.

The young talent forged a crucial 102-run partnership alongside Babar Azam for the fourth wicket, effectively steering their team to victory at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Maaz was fittingly awarded the Player of the Match for his noteworthy performance under pressure.

During the post-match presentation, Babar commended the young batter’s composure and skillset, acknowledging his significant contribution to the win.

“Maaz exhibited exceptional batting prowess under pressure. His assurance at the crease instilled confidence in me as well. The credit for this victory goes to him,” Babar remarked.

Babar highlighted Maaz’s aggressive approach early in his innings as pivotal, recognizing his maturity beyond his years.

“He adopted a fearless approach right from the outset, alleviating the pressure. His maturity is truly impressive for someone of his age,” Babar praised.

Babar Azam also acknowledged Maaz Sadaqat’s vital role in facilitating his own half-century.

“Initially, I struggled to find my rhythm, but Maaz’s positive intent aided me in settling in. His support significantly boosted my confidence,” he noted.

Reflecting on Zalmi’s revamped batting order, Babar commented, “We are experimenting with different combinations and refining the batting lineup. Against Islamabad, it worked out effectively.”

Looking ahead, Babar stressed the significance of building on their current momentum.

“Victory breeds confidence. We will concentrate on rectifying our errors and approach each game with a renewed perspective. The objective is to maintain consistency and secure qualification for the subsequent stage,” he concluded.