PSL: Team of the Tournament

The much anticipated Pakistan Super League became a reality when 5 franchise teams battled in UAE, the highly owned den of Pakistan Cricket.It was an event on which many had their eyes on to witness how the new league would stand with the existing prestigious T20 tournaments like IPL and BBL. The aura certainly did not match that of the other leagues, but it indeed was something that Pakistan Cricket needed to revamp the game in the country.Islamabad United lead by Misbah-ul-Haq were ultimately crowned the champions. The tournament showcased some good performances from the Pakistani regiment as well as the overseas players.Here is a look at the players who made it to the team of the tournament.

#1 Sharjeel Khan

The opening batsman from Islamabad United was the first and the only centurion of PSL, which also meant that his innings of 117 against Peshawar Zalmi was the highest individual score in the tournament.

He was also the third highest scorer overall with 299 runs in 11 innings at an average of 29.90.

The most impressive part of his game was his ability to score quick runs. He had the strike rate of 148.75, and he ensured that his team always got off to quick starts. He played a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s triumph.

#2 Ahmed Shehzad

The talented and experienced opener from Pakistan was in good touch throughout the tournament. He was the fourth highest run-getter with 290 runs in 10 innings. He scored two half-centuries and batted at a strike rate of 143.56. Although Quetta Gladiators could not win the league, but Shehzad’s contribution helped them make it to the last 2.

His best performance came in the final against Islamabad United in which he scored 64 runs off just 39 balls which included 9 fours and a six. His innings helped his side post a formidable total of 174. But unfortunately, his efforts went in vain as the opposition chased the total down rather easily. Nevertheless, this performance might well strengthen his comeback into the national squad.

#3 Tamim Iqbal

Although he just featured in 6 matches, yet his performances in whatever little he played earns him a special mention. He was outstanding in his 6 innings and scored a total of 267 runs at a mammoth average of 66.75. He scored 3 half-centuries in the league. Despite finishing on top of the points table, Peshawar Zalmi could not make it to the final.

Tamim’s form though was the biggest positive for them and it gives hopes for Bangladesh in the upcoming ICC World T20. Now he is one of the veteran cricketers of Bangladesh and a lot would be expected of him in the future.

#4 Umar Akmal

Referred to as one of the most talented young prospects from Pakistan, Umar had long failed to live up to the expectations. But this time, he definitely proved his mettle. He possesses the ability to consolidate the innings as well as up the ante when needed. He ended up being the highest run scorer in the league with 335 runs in 7 innings. His numbers were colossal. His average was 83.75, strike rate was 157.27 and he also scored 4 fifties.

His team Lahore Qalandars though had a terrible outing. They finished on the bottom of the points table winning just 2 matches out of 8. They would be desperately hoping to turn their fortunes next season.

#5 Mohammad Nawaz

The all-rounder from Quetta Gladiators turned out to be the leading wicket taker for his team. With his left arm orthodox bowling style, he picked up 13 wickets in 10 innings at an expense of 18 runs per wicket. His economy rate was 6.56 which is excellent in the T20 format.

With the bat too, he managed to get 120 runs in 9 innings with the highest score being 42. He is one of the finds of the league and a promising all-rounder in the making for Pakistan. With Shahid Afridi nearing the end of his career, he could well become the ideal replacement for him.

#6 Ravi Bopara

There were some eye-catching performances in the league but none bigger than Ravi Bopara’s. He was the second highest run-getter with 329 runs in 9 innings. He was consistent throughout scoring at close to 55 runs per innings.

Not just with the bat, he shone with the ball too. He grabbed 11 wickets at an average of 13.81. His figures of 16/6 v/s the Qalandars were the best in the tournament. Deservedly so, he was adjudged the Player of the Tournament. Somehow Bopara hasn’t been able to transform the successes of the franchise cricket tournaments into regular performances for his national side. Even with such results, it would be difficult for him to break into the English squad due to the flurry of all-rounders already being there.

#7 Shahid Afridi

The forever young and the captain of the Pakistan T20 side had a merry time playing for the Peshawar Zalmis. In his 10 innings he took as many wickets. He is well known for his run stopping abilities with the variations in leg spin and that is indeed what he did throughout the tournament. He bowled with an economy rate of 6.59 and tightened the screws on the batsmen. He also holds the second best figures in the league. He took 5 wickets for just 7 runs v/s Quetta Gladiators.

Being in the final stages of his career, he is still playing like a champion and holds a crucial place in the Pakistan squad to make them T20 champions again.

#8 Grant Elliot

The Kiwi all-rounder was brilliant with his gentle medium pace. Bowling in only 6 innings, he climbed up to the 5th spot on the table of leading wicket-takers. He took 11 wickets at an average of just 12.18 and an economy of 6.09. He is a canny bowler who has got a bag of tricks with changes of pace. With the bat also he contributed once with a score of 40.

Elliot would always be remembered for the six that he hit off Dale Steyn in the last over of the 2015 World Cup semi-final that knocked the Proteas out of the tournament.

#9 Andre Russell

The flamboyant all-rounder from the Caribbean was at his best in the PSL. He finished as the top wicket-taker with 16 wickets in 10 innings at 17.25 runs per wicket. He was up and charged in the pace department and played a pioneer role in Islamabad clinching the trophy. He also holds a key place in the West Indies squad if they are to reclaim the title of the World T20 Champions.

His best figures came against Quetta Gladiators where he got 3 wickets for just 18 runs. He bowled consistently over 140 km/hr and has become a T20 specialist for whichever team he plays.

#10 Wahab Riaz

One of the few bowlers in world cricket who can touch 150 clicks consistently, Wahab Riaz turned up a superlative performance for Peshawar Zalmis. He was the second highest wicket taker with 15 wickets in 9 innings. His average, economy and strike rate all were superb. He was the prime factor why the team finished on top of the points table in the group stage.

He is one bowler who bowls his heart out, while also being one of the very few who can exploit the old ball for reverse swing. His spell to Shane Watson in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final really lit up the dead game.

#11 Mohammad Sami

The comeback man in the Pakistan bowling line up was instrumental in Islamabad’s success in the tournament. His pace was up and running just like the old times. He scalped 12 wickets in just 7 matches. He had the best economy rate in the league of just 5.59. After his inclusion in the Pakistan national squad, the side looks formidable with the pace attack.

He was long missing from the international cricket. His decision to join the rebel ICL league turned out to be the curse in what could have been a promising career. Now that he is back, Pakistan would hope that he could turn back the clock and bowl like he used to in his prime

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