Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has blamed Peshawar Zalmi’s wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal for his side’s defeat at the hands of Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Tuesday. Fakhar Zaman and Chris Lynn struck form at the right time when they stroked sparkling half-centuries as Qalandars defeated Zalmi by five wickets on the penultimate ball of the 24th match in HBL PSL. There were late jitters in Qalandars’ run-chase of 188 following the dismissals of Lynn, Fakhar, Mohammad Hafeez and Ben Dunk, who departed in a space of 12 balls for 14 runs. Nevertheless, David Wiese (17 not out) and Samit Patel (11 not out) kept cool heads on their shoulders to help the home side record their fourth win in eight matches. Qalandars required eight off the last over. After three singles of the first four balls, Wiese’s straight six off Carlos Braithwaite led to tremendous celebrations.

While speaking in a YouTube video, Raja said that Akmal’s missed run out opportunity, from behind the stumps, on the fourth ball of the final over was the turning point of the game. “In my opinion there was only one critical moment which was make or break; Wiese’s run out chance, which was missed by Kamran in the final over,” said Raja. “If he had hit the stumps, Wiese would not have smacked that six and Qalandars might not have won the match. Also Zalmi, from nowhere, could have turned the match in their favour.” Qalandars will play their next match in the tournament on March 12 against Karachi Kings, meanwhile Zalmi will face Multan Sultans on March 13. Both matches will take place at National Stadium in Karachi.