Dickwella urges teammates to draw inspiration from Babar Azam

Babar Azam was adjudged player of the match for his gritty knock as Colombo Strikers beat B-Love Kandy by 27 runs, to register their first win in Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 on Monday.

Impressed by Babar’s performance, skipper Niroshan Dickwella delivered a motivating post-match pep talk to the entire team, using Babar’s innings as an example for others to learn from. Dickwella urged his teammates to draw inspiration from Babar’s never-give-up attitude, especially in challenging conditions, which ultimately led to the team’s victory.

“Learn from the best. He didn’t give up. It was not easy to bat on that wicket and he was there till the end. That inning gave us a good score,” Dickwella said.

Learn from The Best; he didn’t give he was there until the end: Captain Dickwella about Babar Azam #BabarAzam #LPL2023 pic.twitter.com/u25tz1I8BC

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) August 1, 2023

Choosing to bat first, Strikers encountered an early setback with the loss of their skipper Niroshan Dickwella for a mere 4 runs in the opening over. However, Babar Azam, who opened the innings alongside Dickwella, demonstrated his tenacity and determination, gradually finding his rhythm despite the loss of another wicket early on, with Pathum Nissanka being run out for 15.

Babar then found a reliable partner in Nuwanidu Fernando, and together they built a crucial 60-run partnership, providing much-needed stability to the Strikers’ innings. However, the dangerous Mohammad Hasnain eventually dismissed Fernando for 28, leaving Babar to anchor the innings.

Undeterred by the fall of wickets at the other end, Babar displayed remarkable resilience, reaching his half-century in 48 deliveries. With the end of the innings approaching, Babar attempted to accelerate the scoring, managing a couple of boundaries off Wanindu Hasaranga and Isuru Udana.

As the match progressed into the latter stages, Babar sought another big shot, but he mistimed it, resulting in a catch to Kamindu Mendis at long-on. Nonetheless, Babar’s gritty knock of 59 runs from 52 balls played a crucial role in guiding Colombo Strikers to a respectable total of 157/6 in their allotted 20 overs.