Babar Azam gets MG car from Peshawar Zalmi owner after 11th T20 ton

Babar Azam, the Peshawar Zalmi owner has gifted him a MG car following his 11T20 ton. MG, also known as Morris Garages, is a British automotive brand founded in 1920. Babar has been gifted a classy four-wheeler by Javed Afridi the owner of the franchise.

Babar Azam’s 11th T20 ton shaped up Peshawar Zalmi’s win over Islamabad United in PSL 2024. The win takes them to the third position on the points table. Their NRR is still negative with -0.285.

Babar Azam’s ton powered Peshawar to 201/5 in their 20 overs in Lahore. Saim Ayub (38) added a 77-run opening stand with Babar. The lower-order chipped with a few runs helping them cross 200. Babar hit 14 fours and two sixes in his 63-ball knock at a strike rate of 176.19.

Islamabad United in response reached as far as 193/9 falling short by just 8 runs. Colin Munro (71) and Azam Khan (75) were the top run-getters with Alex Hales unavailable due to personal reasons. Arif Yaqoob, the Peshawar Zalmi leg break bowler took 5/27 and played a big role in his team’s victory.

“Paul has a bit of a hamstring problem, so was off the field. Azam got out, so I just took a chance with Yaqoob. All credit to him, didn’t panic, believed in his bowling. Weren’t up to the mark in first two matches. Hope to carry the momentum now” said Babar at the post-match presentation.

Meanwhile, taking to his X handle, Afridi shared the exciting news, stating, “MG GIFT FOR BABAR AZAM. HE WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO DRIVE MG ESSENCE. MADE IN PAKISTAN.”

MG GIFT FOR BABAR AZAM. @babarazam258
HE WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO DRIVE MG ESSENCE.
MADE IN PAKISTAN #HBLPSL�� @MGPakistan pic.twitter.com/IFo3hK8HSb

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) February 26, 2024

The two teams have played 23 games in the PSL with Islamabad United winning 10 games and Peshawar Zalmi 12. The recent match was the 12th win for Peshawar over Islamabad. Babar joined the franchise last season and managed to take them to the knockouts. This season as well, he is trying to take the side to the final.

Speaking about Babar Azam, there are reports that he is likely to be reappointed as the Pakistan captain. Reputed Pakistani journalist Qadir Khawaja revealed that Babar Azam is likely to return as Pakistan captain after the appointment of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s new chairman. Mohsin Naqvi was appointed as the new PCB Chairman after Zaka Ashraf recently stepped down.

“I had asked Babar Azam to continue as skipper in Test cricket but he told me that he will speak to his family members before taking any decision. However, he went to his manager, who told him to leave the captaincy from all formats,” Zaka Ashraf had said before stepping down.

Since Babar Azam gave up captaincy, Pakistan have lost a Test series against Australia in Australia and a T20I series against New Zealand in New Zealand.