5 lesser known Pakistani cricketers who caught the eye at the PSL

The inaugural season of the Pakistan Super League is already into its closing stagesand has produced some fascinating action thus far. A number of heroes have emerged from the tournament including popular cricketers, as well as some lesser known names.Most of the cricketers which fall under the lesser known category arelocal players who have played little or no international cricket whatsoever. These players have performed exceptionally in the PSL debut season and have staked their claim for greater opportunities in the future.Here are 5lesser-known Pakistani cricketers who caught the eye during the PSL.

#1 Mohammad Nawaz

Mohammad Nawaz has produced a terrific all-round performance at the PSL (Image Courtesy – Cricinfo)

Mohammad Nawaz is a left-arm spinner who plays in the PSL for the Quetta Gladiators. Nawaz has been quite brilliant in the inaugural edition of the tournament as he is currently the 2nd highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets from 9 games.

His best figures of 4 for 13 came in Quetta’s first match of the PSL against Islamabad United and helped him earn the Player of the Match award. The 21-year old also took three wickets in his team’s victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the 1st Qualifying Final.

Mohammad Nawaz has also been handy with the bat scoring 113 runs at an average of 18.83 with a top score of 42. Nawaz is yet to make his debut in international cricket.

#2 Mohammad Asghar

Peshawar Zalmi’s Mohammad Asghar has been a great find of the PSL (Image Courtesy – Cricketer Clips)

Playing for the Peshawar Zalmi franchise, unknown Pakistani spinner Mohammad Asghar has made a name for himself in the PSL. Asghar has been one of the highest wicket-takers in the tournament with 11 wickets at an average of slightly over 16.

He received the Player of the Match award in Peshawar’s victory over Islamabad United in their very first match as he claimed 3 wickets for 20 runs. Apart from that, young Asghar has picked up wickets on a consistent basis for his team throughout the tournament.

Mohammad Asghar has been one of the finds of the PSL and could turn out to be a good prospect for Pakistan.

#3 Khalid Latif

Khalid Latif has played a few matches for Pakistan

Khalid Latif may have played a few ODIs and T20Is for Pakistan, but he remains largely unknown in cricketing circles. However, Latif’s exploits in the inaugural edition of the PSL for Islamabad United may help his popularity index rise a bit.

In just 6 matches, Latif managed to score 162 runs at a pretty impressive average of 32-plus. His top score of 59, however, came in a losing cause as his side was beaten comprehensively by Peshawar Zalmi.

Nevertheless, Khalid Latif has impressed with his performances and it could help his chances in the future.

#4 Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan has done quite well in the PSL

Lesser known Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan represented Pakistan in limited-overs cricket recently. Rizwan played in the PSL for the Lahore Qalandars and has put up a decent performance with the bat.

The 23-year old batsman scored 103 runs at a pretty good average of just under 26 and an impressive strike rate of 127-plus. Rizwan scored a half-century in just 27 balls against Islamabad United, however, it could not help his side win.

Mohammad Rizwan’s impressive showing in the PSL could help enhance his reputation.

#5 Zafar Gohar

Gohar has played 1 ODI match for Pakistan

Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar played in the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League for the Lahore Qalandars franchise. In the 6 matches he played, Gohar managed to grab 7 wickets at an impressive average of 14.57.

His best figures of 4 for 14 helped the Qalandars register an emphatic win over Quetta Gladiators. Zafar Gohar has played just 1 ODI match for Pakistan, but his worthwhile performance in the PSL may earn him plenty of opportunities in the days to come.