Babar Azam Vs Shaheen Afridi: How Can The Epic Clash Define LAH vs PES PSL 2025 Match?

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi [Source: @Shami1302, @lahoreqalandars/X]

This evening, Peshawar Zalmi (PES) will lock horns with Lahore Qalandars (LAH) in the 14th group-stage match of the ongoing PSL 2025 season. The much-awaited clash will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore Qalandars have had a topsy-turvy journey in the competition, claiming the third position in the points table. On the other hand, Babar Azam's Peshawar Zalmi are reeling at fourth, having lost three of their first four matches. 

Meanwhile, as both teams gear up for an epic showdown, all eyes will be on Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi when they go head-to-head in this match. 

Babar Azam vs Shaheen Afridi Head To Head Record In PSL

As shown in the above table, Babar Azam has faced 73 deliveries from Shaheen Afridi, scoring 97 runs and getting out thrice in PSL. These numbers signify that it has been more of an even contest, with both the marquee players recording decent numbers against each other. 

Breaking Down The Numbers

However, if we split Babar Azam's PSL career into two halves, one until 2021 and another after that, we find that while Babar dominated Shaheen till the 2020 season, the fast bowler has a clear edge over the batter since the PSL 2021. 

(Babar vs Shaheen in PSL)

Thus, Shaheen Afridi has dominated Babar in the last three PSL seasons, dismissing him thrice in 33 balls. 

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Babar's Vulnerable Form vs Left-Arm Pace Makes Shaheen Favourite

(Babar Azam vs left-arm pace in PSL 2025)

In general, Babar Azam has been pretty vulnerable to left-arm pacers, who have dismissed him three times in the PSL this season. 

The talismanic batter was sent back for a duck by Mohammad Amir in the first game, while Ben Dwarshuis and David Willey got rid of him in Peshawar's subsequent affairs against Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, respectively. 

Thus, Babar's persistent woes against left-arm pacers might ease things for Shaheen, who would be keen to get him early in the innings. 

Potential Impact Of Babar vs Shaheen Contest On Today's PSL Match

Despite struggling with form, Babar Azam is still Pakistan's best batter across formats. Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Babar can set the foundation for a massive total for the Zalmi with his anchoring skills. 

Thus, his wicket holds significant importance for the Qalandars, who will once again look up to Shaheen Afridi to outfox him. If Shaheen dismisses Babar early and gets into his rhythm, he can certainly run through Peshawar's batting lineup comprising Mohammad Haris, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat and Mitchell Owen. 

Therefore, Peshawar Zalmi would want a more responsible knock from their skipper, as another loss could further jeopardise their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. 

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