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LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed credited team management after lifting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 trophy.
Zalmi chased down a partly 130 in 15.3 overs, thanks to Hardie’s unbeaten half-century.
The highlight of the match was a decisive 85-run partnership between Abdul Samad and Aaron Hadie. He scored a brisk 48 off 34 deliveries, including four sixes, before falling in the 15th over.
This ends a nine-year wait for Zalmi since their maiden triumph in 2017. The victory also marked the first major trophy as captain for star batter Babar Azam.
Speaking after the match, Iftikhar recalled the 2017 edition while praising the team’s effort after a strong all-round performance in the final.
“I was there in 2017 as well and at that time we had a very strong team. This time I think the team that has been built is excellent,” he said.
He credited the team management for assembling a winning combination, highlighting the depth in Zalmi’s squad.
“In my opinion, the credit goes to the team owners and management for the way they have created the combination. We have fast bowlers, strong middle-order batters, a solid top order, and finishers as well,” he said.
The 35-year-old further said that when a squad has such a balance and all key areas are covered, the chances of qualifying and winning the title are very high.
“When you have such balance in your squad and all your key areas are covered, your chances of qualifying and becoming champions are very high. That is why this time we have a strong chance to win the trophy,” the all-rounder concluded.
