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Veteran batter Babar Azam has been in prime form with the bat for his Peshawar Zalmi this season. The 31-year-old will lead his team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final against Hyderabad Kingsmen on Sunday. The high-octane encounter will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Peshawar looking to win their second title.

The right-handed batter was asked if he entertained thoughts of becoming the national team captain once again. Addressing the media, Babar said, “That (Pakistan captaincy) is another issue as my focus is solely on the PSL final. But in the future, if such a chance arises, then I will do what is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket.“

Pakistan’s former skipper was asked about his critics, to which he replied: “No matter what I do, criticism will always be there. I draw a lot of confidence from my fans and the support I get, which keeps me going, and I am very excited to do well in the finals this Sunday.“

Marnus Labuschagne looks to create history

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne and his Hyderabad Kingsmen side are looking to make history in Lahore. This is the debut season for the Hyderabad-based side, which began by losing its first four games. In the next six games, Marnus’ team won five to qualify for the playoff matches.

Hunain Shah’s brilliant bowling helped the debutants to eke out a 2-run win over Islamabad United to reach their maiden final. In the same press conference, Zalmi’s skipper was asked about the opposition to which he said, “Every team has its own plans, but we are confident as we have been playing consistent cricket.”

Former skipper on course to break massive record

The PSL 2026 season has seen the Pakistani batter amass 588 runs and is currently tied with Fakhar Zamanwho achieved the feat in 2022. If he manages to open his account on Sunday, Peshawar’s skipper will set the record for the most runs scored by a single in a single campaign.

In 10 games this season, thePakistani batter has averaged 84 with the bat and has a strike rate of 146. He has also hit two centuries and three fifties with his knock of 103 against Shadab Khan’s Islamabad side, earning the Zalmi a spot in the final.