Zalmi trying best to reach PSL final this time, says Sohaib Maqsood

SHARJAH: Peshawar Zalmi batsman Sohaib Maqsood is hopeful of a better result than last year.

Speaking with Geo.TV ahead of the first playoff between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators tonight, Maqsood said the team will try its best to make it to the final this time.

“We will try our best because the first chance is the best chance to make it to the final. The pressure builds on the second chance,” he said.

The batsman reminisced that last year’s match had been very close and noted that this time the matches have been very close in the PSL.

“In my opinion the team which can control its nerve at crucial times will have an advantage,” the cricketer said.

According to Maqsood, his team has targeted all batsmen of Quetta Gladiators.

“Kevin Pietersen is a dangerous player. Ahmed Shehzad and Rossouw are in good form. Our bowling is really good so I think it will be a good competition between their batting and our bowling.”

When asked about key players in the Peshawar Zalmi squad, Maqsood replied that the team had several match winners such as Shahid Afridi, Darren Sammy and Wahab Riaz.

“Our captain tells us that on match day anyone can be a match winner.”

On a personal level, Maqsood said his PSL had not been productive but a single day can turn that around.

He expressed excitement about the PSL final being held in Lahore and said this was true for all the teams.

“The atmosphere will be better than international cricket and all the teams are excited and hoping to be one of the two finalists,” the batsman enthused.