Babar Azam vs Mohammad Amir showdown in PSL, pacer throws ball in frustration - Watch

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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings witnessed a major showdown between Babar Azam and Mohammad Amir.

The matchup between the two cricketers started from the very first over after Kings asked Zalmi's to bat first. On the fifth delivery of the first over, Babar - the captain of Peshawar Zalmi franchise - creamed a glorious cover drive for a scintillating boundary.

The left-arm pacer was reintroduced in the sixth over by captain Imad Wasim, however, Babar again pounced on a loose delivery on the penultimate ball of the over to hit a boundary towards backward square leg. Amir could do nothing but just smile in embarrassment for gifting a four to the opener.

On the next delivery, Babar defended Amir's delivery pitched on middle and leg by pushing the ball towards the 30-year-old who retired from international cricket in 2020. After collecting back the ball, Amir aimed to throw the ball towards the batter before changing his mind and directing it towards the wicket-keeper in the final moment. There was visible frustration on the face Amir, although he tried his best to hide it with another smile.

Peshawar Zalmi pip Karachi Kings in a thriller

Amir had a forgettable outing in the first match as he leaked 42 runs in four overs without taking a wicket as Peshawar Zalmi piled up 199/5 at the end of 20 overs. Babar scored 68 off 46 before being dismissed by Imran Tahir.

In reply, Karachi Kings fell two runs short of the target despite a brilliant 34-ball 52 from Shoaib Malik and 80 not out off 47 from captain Wasim.

"It was our first match and it was important to start on a good note for your new franchise. The partnership between Imad and Shoaib was really good and because of the dew, the ball was coming on nicely onto the bat. We stuck to our plans, Khurram bowled very well, he bowled a crucial final over too. Myself and Tom played well, I tried to give more strikes to Tom as he was hitting very well. We could have scored 10 more runs. We need to improve our fielding and catching as well," Babar Azam said after the match.

Kings next face Islamabad United on Thursday, while Zalmi will clash against Multan Sultans on Friday.