Pakistan Super League: Peshawar Zalmi in qualifying finals with win over Lahore Qalandars

Kamran Akmal’s half-century, as well as fine bowling from Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammed Hafeez, combined to set up the win.

Peshawar Zalmi 166/6 (20 ov)

Lahore Qalandars 149/9 (20 ov)

Peshawar won by 17 runs

DUBAI // Kamran Akmal did his talking with the bat for Peshawar Zalmi on Friday, before making an impassioned plea to be reconsidered for Pakistan national duty with words, too.

The 35-year-old wicketkeeper batsman scored 58 to set up a 17-run win for Peshawar against Lahore Qalandars in the HBL Pakistan Super League.

It was his second half-century of the competition, and he said he is doing all he can to force his way back into the plans of the national team.

“The best answer can come from selectors,” said Akmal, who last featured for Pakistan in the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh in 2014.

“I have done so much, they are the ones who should answer. A batsman can only score runs, and I have done that.

“They should give the reason for not considering me. It’s not just me, but for all those who are playing and performing in domestic competitions.

“The only reason for not considering any player should be the fitness and performance, but I am doing every thing to make a point.”

Given he wears the gloves, Akmal is technically competing for one spot in the Pakistan side, against Sarfaz Ahmed, the recently-appointed limited-overs captain who is perhaps the most firmly established player in the side now.

However, as sides like Sri Lanka and England regularly field more than one player recognised as a wicketkeeper, Akmal believes he merits consideration as a batsman.

“In every team, three wicketkeepers are playing, and some are playing as batsman,” he said. “I have performed with the bat and it’s not just that I am making my case only as wicketkeeper batsman.

“I am trying to make a comeback — that is why I am playing cricket. It’s my passion to play for Pakistan and whatever it is, four or five years left in me, I want to play it at the top, for me and for my country.”

Akmal, who has played more than 250 times across all three formats for Pakistan, cites the example set by Misbah-ul-Haq, whose greatest achievements as the national team captain have come after he turned 40.

“He made his comeback, led the team to No 1 and won a lot for Pakistan,” he said. “While I am fit and performing, I shouldn’t give up.

“My family are motivated, my fans and my domestic teams all stood by me all the way. These are the things that encourage you and help you make a comeback. My passion is still alive, and players like me need support and confidence.”

Akmal will be able to further his case during the business stage of the competition. The win over Lahore confirmed Zalmi’s place in the playoffs.

Qalandars were undone by a woeful collapse, losing six wickets for five runs, for the second time in the competition against the same opposition.

“It was a two-paced wicket, and the batsmen tried their best but unfortunately today wasn’t our day,” Amir Yamin, the Qalandars all-rounder, said.

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