The Pakistan Super League is ultimately a platform for Pakistani players to prove their mettle against the best in the business, fine-tune their game for greater challenges or stake their claim for a spot in the senior national set-up.
This season, the run-scoring and wicket-taking charts have a good sprinkling of Pakistani cricketers.
Here we look at the top performing local players in the third edition of the Pakistan Super League.
KAMRAN AKMAL (PESHAWAR ZALMI)
Kamran has been in fine form.
MATCHES: 10
RUNS: 347
100s: 1; 50s: 3
The wicket-keeper batsman started the year with a List A double century and has now piled on 347 runs at an average of 43 in PSL. He has done it on difficult wickets against top class bowlers that has forced selectors to consider his name for national duty. Difficult to ignore Kamran’s numbers in limited overs matches.
BABAR AZAM (KARACHI KINGS)
Babar Azam scores the match-winning four for Karachi Kings!
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 16, 2018
Watch ball by ball highlights at https://t.co/oP4tJ0o7mP#IUvKK #HBLPSL #PSL2018 @_cricingif pic.twitter.com/vGKQjEYKRp
MATCHES: 11
RUNS: 339
50s: 4
The 23-year-old Azam showed that good technique and right temperament are enough to deliver in any format and condition. A strike rate of 120 isn’t spectacular but since conditions in the UAE aren’t exactly a batsman’s paradise, those are fine numbers. A talent Pakistan can bank on for years to come.
FAKHAR ZAMAN (LAHORE QALANDARS)
Enjoy Fakhar Zaman's blistering inning of 94 off just 50 balls (9 Fours, 6 Sixes).
— Saad IU/LQ 🇵🇰 (@SaadAwais22) March 14, 2018
- This is Highest individual score of this season.
- 3rd highest overall in PSL History.#LQvQG #QGvLQ pic.twitter.com/rlRZ6PyYvm
MATCHES: 10
RUNS: 277
50s: 1
The left-handed batsman continues to prove his worth in white ball cricket. The 27-year-old has just one fifty to his name but his strike rate is 147. That’s nearly 30 runs per innings at a strike rate of almost 150. In a disappointing campaign for Lahore, one bright spot in the batting department.
FAHEEM ASHRAF (ISLAMABAD UNITED)
Congratulations on top wicket taker soo for in PSL2018 Good going @iFaheemAshraf mela yo yo pic.twitter.com/yCcZEMiHi4
— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) March 16, 2018
MATCHES: 11
WICKETS: 17
ECON: 7.7
The all-rounder has been excellent with the ball, picking up wickets and even bowling a maiden. Ashraf hasn’t scored many runs but his bowling continues to grow. Can do the job once pioneered by the likes of Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood though there is still a long way to go.
USMAN KHAN (KARACHI KINGS)
Usman has returned from back injury in style.
MATCHES: 9
WICKETS: 15
ECON: 7.2
Took some tap in the Qualifier against Islamabad but that should take nothing away from a fine tournament. Returning from a back injury, Usman has bowled with aggression and should walk back into Pakistan’s limited overs team. Another talented left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan.
SHAHID AFRIDI (KARACHI KINGS)
- the MRI scan of Shahid Afridi detects swelling around the knee-joint & sprain of one of the ligaments. Afridi is likely to play with painkillers!
— Asif Khan (@mak_asif) March 17, 2018
MATCHES: 9
WICKETS: 13
ECON: 6.3
‘Lala’ has retired but is still one of the best slow bowlers in T20 cricket. To maintain an economy of six and pick up wickets takes some doing in the shortest format. Has been hindered by a knee injury that has affected his campaign but even a half-fit Afridi can be more than enough.
