PSL 2020: Peshawar Zalmi Ropes in Hashim Amla As Batting Mentor

South Africa great Hashim Amla is set to be unveiled as the batting mentor by Pakistan Super League (PSL)  franchise, Peshawar Zalmi. Amla retired last year from international duty and was widely regarded by experts as one of the best opening batsmen ever.

The veteran cricketer is the fastest batsman to reach the scores of 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 runs in ODI cricket. Considering this, it would be no surprise why the PSL outfit Zalmi appointed Amla as their batting mentor.

Hashim Amla to act as batting mentor for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2020:

The 36-year-old was initially a part of the PSL’s players’ draft in the platinum category but he got not suitors. Eventually, Zalmi moved to rope in Amla as a batting mentor for the upcoming season.

The PSL’s fifth season will commence from February 20 and the first fixture will be played between defending champions Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United in Karachi.

For the first time in its history, the PSL will be held entirely in Pakistan this year.

Meanwhile, Zalmi’s appointment of Amla comes as a statement of intent as they would like to win the trophy this season. Last year, they were defeated in the final by the Gladiators but this time, they would like to go all the way.

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Chairman of the Zalmi, Javed Afridi has welcomed Amla to the team and he lauded the former South African as a legend of the sport. Head coach Mohammad Akram too expressed his pleasure after Amla joined their ranks.

A vy wholehearted #PakhairRaghlay to the Legendary Player @amlahash ,in the #YellowStorm Brigade as a Batting Mentor.His Gracious Presence in the PSL5 festivity will not only adorn the Zalmi Dugout bt will also inspire & craft the crick skills of the emerging players in the squad pic.twitter.com/26LeCk0wFd

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) January 30, 2020

Zalmi coach Akram feels young players will benefit most from Hashim Amla’s experience:

In his illustrious career of 15 years, Amla scored more than 18,000 runs across formats, including 55 centuries and 80 half-centuries. Having such a wealth of experience will benefit the Zalmi youngsters the most, feels head coach Akram.

Geo Super quoted him as saying, “With the presence of Amla, our young cricketers will have a chance to learn a lot.”

The opening ceremony of PSL 2020 will be held at the National Stadium on 20th February. Meanwhile, the coverage begins at 5:00 pm local time.

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