SHARJAH: Karachi Kings’ bowling coach Azhar Mahmood praised match-winner Kamran Akmal and termed the former Pakistan opener as the “difference between the two teams” in Peshawar Zalmi’s 44-run win in Sharjah on Thursday.
Kamran smashed a 51-ball 75 with five sixes and three boundaries to lift Peshawar Zalmi to 181-6 before Karachi were kept down to 137-8. Both teams now need to win their last games on Friday for a play-off spot.
Azhar said Kamran benefitted from a dropped catch on 22.
“Kamran played an excellent innings and he was the difference between the two teams,” said Azhar, also bowling coach of Pakistan team.
“The last seven overs were very costly and young Mohammad Irfan could not execute the plan he was given,” Mahmood added.
Irfan conceded 45 runs in his three overs, with Zalmi skipper Darren Sammy smashing three sixes in one of his overs.
Azhar said Kamran made the most of drop catch at sweeper cover by Colin Ingram.
“They (Zalmi) got a good start and then the catch was dropped, so it changed the momentum and then we could not execute the plan,” said Azhar.
“No one wants to drop a catch and unfortunately Ingram did not pick the ball. he has been fielding exceptionally well in this tournament.”
Azhar hoped his team will do its best to win the last game, against Islamabad United on Friday.
“We have one more game to go so we will plan for that and we know that it can go to net run-rate but we don’t want to go on net run-rate so we will do the best planning,” said Azhar, a former Pakistan all-rounder.
Azhar admitted regular skipper Imad wasim’s absence was felt in today’s game.
“We do not have a spinner in the emerging category and without Imad we suffered,” said Azhar of the spinner who has been advised a four day rest.
Azhar said Imad will also miss Friday’s match.
