'Good that he got out' - Michael Clarke on Babar Azam's sedate knock in PSL Qualifier

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 has reached its business end, with the qualifier matches deciding the two finalists. In the first qualifier of the 2024 edition on March 14 in Karachi, table-toppers Multan Sultans faced the in-form Peshawar Zalmi, led by Pakistan's batting stalwart Babar Azam.

However, Babar's performance on the night left much to be desired, drawing criticism from none other than former Australian captain Michael Clarke. Coming into the playoffs on the back of three consecutive wins, Peshawar Zalmi seemed determined to continue their dominance. However, their campaign hit a stumbling block against Multan Sultans.

Chasing a modest total of 147, Sultans cruised to victory, thanks to knocks from Yasir Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed. Zalmi's innings, built around Babar's knock of 46 off 42 balls, never gained momentum on a sluggish Karachi track against disciplined Sultan's bowling.

Also read: Babar Azam 'not satisfied' with batting order demotion

You never want him to get out:  Michael Clarke

As Babar was dismissed by Chris Jordan's brilliant yorker, commentator Clarke did not mince words over former's batting approach.

"Very rarely do you say it's a good thing when Babar gets out. You never want him to get out because he's an absolute-class player. He has been in terrific form. But, maybe maybe the extra power here, looking for boundaries, I think that's where they are at now. I think they got to go a fraction harder and I think they have got to risk it all to try and get above that 170-mark." Clarke said.

With big hitters like Rovman Powell and Tom Kohler-Cadmore waiting for their turn, many expected Zalmi's innings to kick into high gear. However, that was not to be, as Zalmi kept losing wickets in their bid to accelerate, eventually falling well short of a competitive total.

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As the tournament progresses, Zalmi have a chance to redeem themselves and qualify for the finals. They will be playing their next game against the winners of the Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators eliminator clash.