Babar Azam To Drop Haseebullah; Peshawar Zalmi's Probable XI For PSL Eliminator 2

Zalmi lost to Multan in PSL qualifier [AP]Zalmi lost to Multan in PSL qualifier [AP]

On Saturday, Peshawar Zalmi will have a final opportunity to secure a berth in the PSL 2024 final, as they will take on the winner of eliminator 1 in the all-important second eliminator. 

Led by Babar Azam, Peshawar enjoyed stellar success earlier in the tournament, finishing the league stage as the second-best side. However, the top-ranked Multan Sultans completely outclassed them in qualifier 1, entering the final with a thumping seven-wicket victory. 

Their poor batting performance was a major reason behind Zalmi's dismal outing in the game, with batters like Haseebullah Khan, Rovman Powell and Saim Ayub failing to contribute in the high-voltage clash. While Mohammad Haris and Tom Kohler-Cadmore scored in the twenties, Ayub and Haseebullah fell flat, being dismissed for single-digit scores. 

Haseebullah, in particular, is suffering from a slump in form, managing ten runs in his last three appearances for the franchise. Despite being given enough chances, the southpaw has failed to make an impact in PSL 2024, scoring only 78 runs in six innings at an abysmal average of 13. 

So, considering it's a do-or-die clash for Peshawar Zalmi, they might drop the out-of-form batter, replacing him with veteran finisher Asif Ali to boost their lower middle order. 

The rest of their lineup is expected to be the same, with Ayub opening the batting with Babar, followed by Haris, TKC and Powell. 

Paul Walter and Aamer Jamal are expected to retain their place as bowling all-rounders, with Salman Irshad, Luke Wood and Mehran Mumtaz playing as pure bowlers. 


Peshawar Zalmi's Probable XI For Eliminator 2

Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (WK), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Paul Walter, Aamer Jamal, Luke Wood, Mehran Mumtaz, Salman Irshad