'Why can't you finish matches like Virat Kohli?' - Babar Azam loses temper after reporter's question

Published - 09 Apr 2026, 14:49 IST | Updated - 09 Apr 2026, 15:26 IST

A reporter's question, comparing Babar Azam to the legendary Virat kohli, irked the former Pakistan captain after Peshawar Zalmi's four-wicket win against Hyderabad Kingsmen on Wednesday, April 8, in the Pakistan Super League.

During the low-scoring thriller played at the National Stadium in Karachi, Peshawar bowled out Hyderabad for 145 in 18.2 overs. Chasing the paltry target, Babar anchored the innings for Peshawar but he was eventually dismissed for 43 off 37 balls. When he was dismissed, his team needed another 30 runs off the last five overs with six wickets in hand.

The Kingsmen showed a lot of guts and determination in the back end of the innings but in the end, it was Peshawar emerging victorious, after Aamer Jamal took a single off the last ball.

Babar would have loved to have taken his team home after getting accustomed to the conditions during a sedate knock. Peshawar needed 14 runs to win in the last over and on another day, things could have gone Hyderabad's way.

When the reporter asked Babar why he fails to finish matches like Kohli, the 31-year-old lost his cool. Babar stated that there is a misconception that he cannot finish games.

"Virat Kohli comes with the same shot of game as you but he finishes the match which you lack. People compare him with you what are your views on the comparison?" the reported asked.

"Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It's your misconception that I have not finished matches," Babar replied.

🚨 BABAR RESPONDED TO A QUESTION ON KOHLI-BABAR COMPARISON 🚨• Journalist - "Virat Kohli comes with the same shot of game as you but he finishes the match which you lack. People compare him with you what are your views on the comparison?" • Babar Azam - "Let these things to…

So far in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, Babar has scored 82 runs in two matches at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 126.15.