Quetta Gladiators’ experienced pacer Mohammad Amir reflected on his pivotal role in dismissing Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 in a match held at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Amir, who had earlier dismissed Babar for a duck in the tournament’s initial encounter between the two teams, continued his dominance over the star batter, this time trapping him leg-before with a well-executed in-swinger in the third over of Zalmi’s innings.
The left-arm pacer’s celebration after the dismissal added an extra layer of excitement to the already intense match. Running jubilantly in celebration, Amir directed a unique gesture toward the Gladiators’ dugout, a moment that caught the attention of fans and players alike.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Amir was asked about his thoughts on dismissing the former Pakistan skipper for the second time in the tournament. In response, the pacer acknowledged the importance of rivalries in the T20 format, emphasizing how such moments add to the entertainment value for fans.
“Whether on the field or on social media, these rivalries entertain people, especially in T20s—that’s the main goal,” Amir said. “As a bowler, my role is to tease the batter and show aggression, while the batter aims to score runs. These things should happen, but within limits. My fans post my videos, Babar’s fans post his. It’s all great for the tournament,” he added.
Despite the competitive nature of the rivalry, Amir expressed his respect for Babar Azam, hailing him as a “big player.” He revealed his tactical approach to dismissing the talented batter, explaining that his plan was to utilize the swing of the new ball effectively.
“Babar Azam is a big player, there is no doubt in that. My plan is always to utilize the swing with the new ball. Whoever it is, whether Saim or Babar, I try to capitalize on their weaknesses. I thought Babar would be prepared for the outswinger, so I tried to bring it back in,” Amir concluded.
Amir’s early breakthrough, combined with Faheem Ashraf’s remarkable five-wicket haul, helped Quetta Gladiators secure a dominant 64-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi. The match’s result left the Gladiators firmly in contention for a playoff spot in PSL 10, with their bowling attack proving to be a decisive factor.
