The Lahore Qalandars shared a video on social media showing Haris Rauf interacting with Babar Azam, the captain of the Peshawar Zalmi, during a practice session. Rauf expressed his determination to dismiss two-star batters, including Babar Azam, at any cost during their conversation. Rauf asserted, “I am focused on taking your wicket, no matter what it takes. Currently, only (Virat) Kohli and you are the exceptions. (Kane) Williamson managed to evade getting caught at slip twice. Nevertheless, I have three or four players in mind that I am determined to dismiss.”
Pakistan captain Babar Azam was challenged by fast bowler Haris Rauf to take his wicket in the 15th match of the Pakistan Super League 2023. Rauf had dismissed Azam on a few occasions in the nets, but the bowler wanted to take his wicket in a match. Unfortunately, Rauf was unable to do so as S Afridi dismissed him and the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, beat Peshawar Zalmi by 40 runs.
After Fakhar Zaman (96), Abdullah Shafique (75) and Sam Billings (47 not out) propelled Lahore to 241-3, Afridi dominated with his left-arm swing bowling and dismissed 5 batters in the match. Babar Azam was clean bowled by a sharp delivery that cut back and knocked over the stumps, giving Afridi the win in the much-anticipated PSL duel.
