Following his match-winning performance against the current PSL champions, Khawaja Nafay unveiled his favorite batsmen during the post-match press conference. The 22-year-old disclosed that he holds India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, and former Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, in high regard as his preferred batsmen.
On Monday (February 20), Khawaja Nafay played a pivotal role with the bat, guiding Quetta Gladiators to a victory over defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the fourth match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024). Lahore Qalandars posted a formidable total of 187 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, with opener Sahibzada Farhan contributing a resilient fifty, scoring 62 runs off 43 balls, and Jahandad Khan providing a quick cameo, smashing an unbeaten 45 off just 17 balls.
Despite a solid start from Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel, who added 69 runs for the first wicket, they departed in quick succession. However, Khawaja Nafay played a crucial role, anchoring the innings and ensuring the Gladiators successfully chased down the total on the first ball of the final over. Nafay remained unbeaten, scoring a half-century with 60 runs off 31 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes. Akeal Hosein and Mohammad Hasnain of Quetta Gladiators picked up two wickets each during Lahore Qalandars’ innings.
As for Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam, they are currently engrossed in different cricketing commitments. Rohit is leading the Indian team in the Test series against England, where they presently hold a 2-1 lead. The team faced an initial setback, losing the first Test by 28 runs, but made a strong comeback by winning the second and third Tests. In the third Test, India secured a commanding victory over England by a record margin of 434 runs, seizing the lead in the series for the first time.
On the other hand, Babar Azam is actively participating in the PSL 2024 for Peshawar Zalmi. Despite Babar’s impressive 68-run contribution, Zalmi faced defeat against the Gladiators in the respective match.
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