‘We will get two bites at the cherry’
dubai — Peshawar Zalmi coach Mohammad Akram revealed that the squad and the team management had a meeting before their game against the Quetta Gladiators, and said that finishing first or second will give them “two bites at the cherry.”
Peshawar Zalmi went on to top the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) table after a narrow victory scripted by former Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi.
The first and second-placed teams on table have two opportunities in the play-offs with the losing team in the first play-off going on to meet the winning team from the second play-off, which is between the third and fourth-placed teams.
And former Pakistan pace bowler Akram said they had a motivational meeting ahead of the game.
The way Shahid Afridi played tonight (Saturday), he showed his rich experience
Mohammad Akram, Zalmi coach
“It was an important match. We had a meeting before the match and we had decided that if we manage finish No.1 or No.2, we could have two bites at the cherry, there are two chances available. And if we win three consecutive matches, we can clinch the trophy,” said Akram.
“So, we had a motivational meeting where we said it was a mustwin game and we have to go till the end. The game has not ended. How many ever matches that have been played, all have been exciting and thrilling affairs,” he added.
Akram also heaped praise on Afridi’s match-winning knock which took the side home. “The way Shahid Afridi played (Saturday), he showed his rich experience. So, we have reason to be very happy even though the batting wasn’t doing quite well. And coming down the order, the way Afridi played has been outstanding,” Akram said.
He also said that they have finally got the right combination and added that there has been stiff competition between the teams.
“It is a beautiful thing for cricket and for the PSL. Looking at the exciting and thrilling matches that have been played so far, it has been a roller-coaster for all the teams. Not one team knew till today that who will be playing whom and at which position. So, I feel there haven’t been better matches than these and it’s been a long time since we saw matches like this,” he said.
“As for us, yes, it was like a rollercoaster. There was some doubts on players’ availability because some series were ongoing and some players were coming in and some players were going, especially overseas players. It takes a few matches to know what your right combination.”
james@khaleejtimes.com