PSL 2019: Quetta Gladiators' Shane Watson amazed by Pakistan's fast-bowling depth

Waseem Ahmed 08:57 13/03/2019
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  • Shane Watson. Image: PSL/Twitter.

    Quetta Gladiators’ opener Shane Watson has hailed the fast-bowling depth in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and believes it is one of the best in the world.

    The ongoing edition of the PSL has seen several young Pakistan pacers including Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Musa and Haris Rauf create an impression with their raw pace and accuracy.

    Watson, who is currently leading the run-scoring charts in the 2019 PSL, has admitted his amazement at the steady rate at which young fast bowlers are emerging through the tournament.

    “That is one thing that always comes up while playing in the PSL, even from my first year and it continued to be now. There’s always one or two fast bowlers who are bowling way above 140kph, pushing 150kph,” Watson told ESPNcricinfo in an interview.

    “So every single game I go out and play, I know I have to be absolutely on my game, ready to go, otherwise I can get exposed and hurt facing these quick bowlers. It’s an incredible thing, the depth that Pakistan cricket has over any other country that I have ever played in – real and proper fast bowling. It’s amazing how they continue to come through.

    “Now we’ve got (Mohammad) Hasnain here at Quetta who has come onto the scene and is bowling 150kmh, as it continues to happen every single PSL. So it’s pretty amazing.”

    18-year-old Hasnain has picked up seven wickets so far for Quetta in five games in what is his maiden PSL campaign. The young pacer’s display has seen him earn a maiden call up to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia in the UAE.

    Watson and Quetta, meanwhile, will be in action on Wednesday when they take on Peshawar Zalmi at Karachi in the Qualifier. The winner of the clash will progress to the final of the competition which will be held on March 17 at Karachi.

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