SHARJAH: Peshawar Zalmi opener Kamran Akmal has said that his team is ready for the last do-or-die game on Friday after brushing off Karachi Kings by 44 runs in Sharjah on Thursday.
Kamran cracked 51-ball 75 with five sixes and three boundaries to lift his team to 181-6 before restricting Karachi Kings to 137-8 and was awarded the “Man of the Match” award.
“We are still far off from the final and the focus is on Friday’s game against Lahore which is another do-or-die game for us,” said Kamran who notched his third fifty in this year’s PSL.
SIX! 13.2 Shahid Afridi to Kamran Akmal
Watch ball by ball highlights at https://t.co/H3gfqfofS8#PZvKK #HBLPSL #PSL2018 @_cricingif pic.twitter.com/layaA3oDqp— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 15, 2018
“Every team wishes for a place in the final so that’s our target,” he added.
He was the player of the tournament in last year’s PSL.
“I do my best for the team and not every day is the same but I try my best and I am happy when I contribute to team’s win,” said Kamran, who was dropped on 21 by Colin Ingram off leg-spinner Usama Mir.
Kamran admitted today’s clash against Karachi Kings was a pressure game.
“Yes, they (Karachi Kings) are a good side, it was a pressure game with Eoin Morgan also there to play for them, but we entered the ground with a positive mind and when every player acts responsibly then best results come,” said Kamran.
Kamran admitted he is looking for a comeback in the Pakistan team, having not played since March 2017.
“Yes, every players plays and targets a place in the Pakistan team so I am doing my best and the rest is with the selectors and coaches,” said Kamran who smashed a Pakistan record of 150 in the National Twenty20 and 200 in departmental one-day event.
Kamran refused to accept his younger brother Umar has derailed his career.
“He (Umar) is playing for Lahore and he is not derailed, it is your opinion, unfortunately he has not p erformed as per expectations but his focus is on cricket,” said Kamran.
