Lisa Sthalekar and Aamer Sohail took a dig at Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam during the PSL 2025 match against Islamabad United.
Sthalekar stated that Mitchell Owen should be promoted to open the batting in order to maximize the team’s potential in the Powerplay during the ongoing tournament.
Islamabad United defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 102 runs in the fifth match of PSL 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, April 14.
Chasing a target of 244, Zalmi collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for just 141 in 18.2 overs. Sahibzada Farhan smashed a century for Islamabad United.
Aamer Sohail Takes a Dig at Babar Azam Amid Struggles
Lisa Sthalekar and Aamer Sohail indirectly questioned Babar Azam’s role as Peshawar Zalmi’s opener. Sthalekar stated that the team should promote Mitchell Owen to open, as it could help them capitalize on the power play. In response, Sohail said that such a move would require setting aside personal ego.
“Given the fact they’ve so many openers, Mitchell Owen might potentially elevate to open and see if they can get 60-80 runs in Power Play,” Lisa Sthalekar said, as quoted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“To me, such a decision you need to have your ego in the pocket,” Aamer Sohail replied.
Lisa Sthalekar: “Given the fact they (Zalmi) have so many openers, Mitch Owen might potentially elevate to open and see if they can get 60-80 runs in PP.”
Aamer Sohail: “To me, such a decision you need to have your ego in the pocket.” pic.twitter.com/BrlooT1PZi
— Cricwick (@Cricwick) April 14, 2025
Mitchell Owen Didn’t Open in the First Two Matches of PSL 2025
Mitchell Owen had a breakthrough season with the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2024–25 Big Bash League. The 23-year-old opener was the leading run-getter in the tournament with 452 runs in 11 games.
He delivered a match-winning performance in the final, blasting 108 off just 42 balls against the Sydney Thunder.
The right-handed batter came in at No. 7 during their season opener against the Quetta Gladiators.
The young batter smashed 31 runs off just 13 balls with one boundary and four sixes. He was promoted to No. 3 in the second match, where he scored 10 runs off 7 balls against Islamabad United.
Babar Azam Dismissed for Just One Run in the Second Over by Ben Dwarshuis
Peshawar Zalmi’s innings began on a poor note as Babar Azam was dismissed for just one run in the second over by Ben Dwarshuis. Mitchell Owen was trapped LBW by Imad Wasim, while Saim Ayub was removed after scoring only six. By the end of the powerplay, Zalmi were struggling at 26 for 3.
Haris and Tom Kohler-Cadmore resisted with a 41-run partnership. However, Cadmore was dismissed after scoring eight runs — Imad’s second wicket — which halted their momentum. Haris continued to fight with a powerful knock, scoring 87 off 46 balls. However, he didn’t receive support from the other end.
The lower order collapsed — George Linde (0), Alzarri Joseph (2), and Sufiyan Muqeem (1) all failed to contribute.
Zalmi were 130 for 8 by the 16th over, and Haris’s dismissal sealed their fate. Mohammad Ali added just three runs as the Babar Azam-led team was bowled out for 141.
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