PSL: Mohammad Amir’s fiery celebrations return after dismissing Babar Azam

Dubai: It’s becoming a familiar sight in the Pakistan Super League: Mohammad Amir steaming in, Babar Azam undone by swing, and the Gladiators pacer letting loose with a wild celebration. On Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium, Amir repeated the feat — and the theatrics — as Quetta romped to an easy win over Peshawar Zalmi.

Amir, who had earlier removed Babar for a duck during their first encounter this season, once again produced a moment of magic by trapping the star batter lbw with a sharp in-swinger in the third over of Zalmi’s innings.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Amir defended his animated celebrations, saying such on-field rivalries add much-needed entertainment to the format.

“Whether on the field or social media, these rivalries entertain people, especially in T20s — that’s the main goal,” Amir said.

“As a bowler, my role is to tease the batter and show aggression, while the batter aims to score runs. These things should happen, but within limits. My fans post my videos, Babar’s fans post his. It’s all great for the tournament.”

Amir also explained why the celebration was particularly special after dismissing Babar.

“Babar Azam is a big player, there’s no doubt about that,” he acknowledged. “My plan is always to utilise the swing with the new ball — whether it’s Saim or Babar. I thought Babar would be ready for the outswinger, so I tried to bring it back in.”

Medium-pacer Faheem Ashraf’s five-wicket haul guided Gladiators to a 64-run win over Peshawar Zalmi in their Pakistan Super League encounter on Sunday.

Chasing a daunting target of 180, Zalmi were bowled out for just 114. Faheem struck twice in quick succession, removing Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, before Mohammad Wasim dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore to leave Zalmi reeling at 32 for 3. Despite brief resistance from Mohammad Haris and Abdul Samad, Faheem and Gladiators’ disciplined attack prevented any fightback.