Pakistani cricketers – Shahid Afridi, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Umar Gul represented different IPL franchises during the first season of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Their performances left much to be desired with Sohail Tanvir emerging as the sole success story.

The wrong-footed left-arm bowler troubled the batsmen with his nagging accuracy and probing line eventually emerging as the first ever purple cap winner. However, after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, franchises were advised to terminate or suspend contracts.

The PCB decided to come up with their own version of a T20 league called the PSL i.e. the Pakistan Super League in the year 2016 with the tournament conducted in the United Arab Emirates. There were reports that T20 cricketing clashes might be organized between franchises in the PSL and in the IPL. Let’s take a look at 5 player battles that will be extremely exciting to witness:

1. Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Shahid-Afridi-vs-Virat-Kohli.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110029" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahid-Afridi-vs-Virat-Kohli.jpg" alt="Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110029" class="wp-caption-text">Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Shahid Afridi is one of the most exciting T20 cricketers out there and is arguably the best in Pakistan. The former Peshawar Zalmi captain has scored 3392 runs at an amazing strike rate of 155.16 which is pretty good considering his position in the batting order.

His highest score so far is 80 having smashed 256 boundaries and 182 sixes in the 235 matches he has been a part of so far. The Khyber born all-rounder is nicknamed “Boom-Boom Afridi” for his ability to hit massive sixes and attacking mindset from the first ball. His bowling is also extremely miserly and effectual with his leg break googlies and variations earning him 257 wickets at an economy rate of 6.63.

Virat Kohli, the current Indian T20 captain who is considered one of the most reliable batsmen out there will be the perfect man to compete with Afridi. 6513 runs in 209 matches at a batting average of 41.22 is no joke. 133 is the RCB captain’s current strike rate having scored 4 hundreds and 46 half centuries already. His aggression has helped him develop into a match winner for the Indian cricket team.

It will be necessary for Kohli to ensure that Afridi is unable to get into the groove by hitting him out of the park because Lala has the ability to run through batting orders if left unchecked.

2. Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Sarfraz-Ahmed-vs-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110027" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sarfraz-Ahmed-vs-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110027" class="wp-caption-text">Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

The 29-year-old enjoys the ability to score runs consistently at a brisk pace. He was recently elected captain after Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2016 T20 World Cup. His captaincy in the first edition of the PSL drew praise from all corners of the cricketing world after leading the Quetta Gladiators to the final. Despite being overlooked all these years the batsman has been increasingly consistent having scored 1421 runs in 106 matches at an impressive strike rate of 126.98.

Sarfaraz enjoys the ability to maturely build the innings in case of a batting collapse and explode in the last 5 overs which make him an extremely worthy competitor.

Ravichandran Ashwin is currently one of the best spinners in the game. He has already ensnared 200 batsmen in just 195 matches at an economy rate of 6.74. A bowling strike rate of 20.7 indicates how successful he has been in the format. MS Dhoni believed in the spinner to such a great extent that he was brought on by the skipper whenever a breakthrough was needed. The fact that the former CSK player rarely disappointed has encouraged Kohli to do the same.

Sarfraz Ahmed is very good at tackling spinners and the 30-year-old off spinner will be looking to use all his experience to outsmart him which will further pile up pressure on the Pakistan batting.

3. Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Mohammad-Amir-vs-Rohit-Sharma.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110025" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Amir-vs-Rohit-Sharma.jpg" alt="Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110025" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Mohammad Amir the left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan earned respect and appreciation from all corners of the cricketing world when he made his debut at the tender age of 17 with his pace and accuracy drawing comparisons to none other than legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram.

We all know what happened and he was banned for 5 years. Though he has been unable to achieve the same heights after making a comeback, there is no doubt that he is still extremely lethal. 74 wickets in 64 games at an economy rate of 6.67 and a strike rate of 19.2 certainly seems to indicate that the bowler representing the Karachi Kings in the PSL is extremely efficient and effective.

Rohit Sharma is currently one of the best batsmen in the format having scored 6209 runs in 236 games at an amazing strike rate of 131.65. His two double centuries in ODI cricket certainly demonstrates how valuable he has been in the shorter formats of the game. He has been one of the best batsmen for his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.

The 29-year-old batsman recently made a controversial comment about the 24-year-old labeling him as an overrated bowler who was still not consistent enough.

Their rivalry on the field will be a joy to witness.

4. Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Imad-Wasim-vs-Suresh-Raina.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110023" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Imad-Wasim-vs-Suresh-Raina.jpg" alt="Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110023" class="wp-caption-text">Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Imad Wasim has been one of Pakistan’s top performers ever since he made his debut for the Pakistan U-19 team. His lack of pace forced him to give up on his dream of emulating Pakistan’s legendary pace bowler Wasim Akram. However, the youngster took it up as a challenge and decided to adapt himself. A switch to left-arm spin bowling has worked out pretty well for him.

His big hitting abilities have transformed him into a reliable middle order batsman and a powerful finisher in the shorter format of the game which is a good sign for a country crying out for a big-hitting allrounder ever since Abdul Razzaq decided to retire.

Wasim has scored 708 runs in 76 matches at a strike rate of 123.56. He has also managed to pick up 74 wickets at an economy rate of 6.35 and a strike rate of 20.4 which indicates how sublime his performances have been.

Recently he became the second fastest bowler after Umar Gul in Pakistan’s cricketing history to take a 5-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. His stunning performances for PSL franchise Karachi Kings in the 2016 season certainly did his reputation no harm.

Suresh Raina is the second highest all-time run scorer in the IPL. He has scored 6326 runs in 242 matches at a strike rate of 139 and an average of 33.12. The attacking left-handed batsman can clear boundaries easily and is also one of the best fielders currently out there.

The current Gujarat Lions skipper can split the field and discover gaps in any scenario which has earned him comparisons to Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

He is also extremely potent as a bowler having picked up 50 wickets at an economy rate of 7.14 and a strike rate of 26. His right arm off-break bowling has earned his team breakthroughs in many tough situations which have made the difference between a victory and a defeat.

The battle between Wasim and Raina will be a major factor in the outcome of the game. Raina can shatter the confidence of the opposition bowlers with his big hitting when in form and  Wasim will be looking to snap him up early with his left-armers.

5. Wahab Riaz vs Mahendra Singh Dhoni

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Wahab-Riaz-vs-MS-Dhoni.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110021" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Wahab-Riaz-vs-MS-Dhoni.jpg" alt="Wahab Riaz vs MS Dhoni" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110021" class="wp-caption-text">Wahab Riaz vs MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Wahab Riaz who is one of Pakistan’s top pace bowlers is blessed with pace but his bowling performances have not been as consistent. In spite of this inconsistency, the 31-year-old is still one of the most impactful bowlers in the format.

His superb bowling performance against Australia in the 2015 World Cup left Shane Watson unsettled and could have possibly won the game for Pakistan if the fielders were up with their act. The Peshawar Zalmi opening bowler has snapped up 138 wickets in 122 games at an economy rate of 7.24 and average of 22.57. He is even capable of smashing a few lusty blows with the willow having scored 575 runs down the order at a strike rate of 122.34.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni the charismatic Indian batsman is one of the most popular T20 batsmen in the world. His unorthodox gameplay and ability to improvise makes his overall profile extremely impressive.

The wicketkeeper-batsman can deposit even yorkers into the stands because of the amazing weapon in his arsenal – the Helicopter shot. No target is un-chaseable as long as MSD is out there on the crease.

The Indian team and his former IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings have won many games as a result of his amazing finishing skills down the order. The 35-year-old has scored  4954 in 245 matches at a strike rate of 135.80 and an average of 37.53.

Riaz will be looking to castle him early otherwise, the Jharkhand-born batsman is more than capable of leading his side to an extremely challenging target if not stopped.

Written by Arnab Mukherji

Pakistani cricketers – Shahid Afridi, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Umar Gul represented different IPL franchises during the first season of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Their performances left much to be desired with Sohail Tanvir emerging as the sole success story.
The wrong-footed left-arm bowler troubled the batsmen with his nagging accuracy and probing line eventually emerging as the first ever purple cap winner. However, after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, franchises were advised to terminate or suspend contracts.
The PCB decided to come up with their own version of a T20 league called the PSL i.e. the Pakistan Super League in the year 2016 with the tournament conducted in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;There were reports that T20 cricketing clashes might be organized between franchises in the PSL and in the IPL.&nbsp;Let’s take a look at 5 player battles that will be extremely exciting to witness:
<h4>1. Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110029" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110029" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Shahid-Afridi-vs-Virat-Kohli.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-110029" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahid-Afridi-vs-Virat-Kohli.jpg" alt="Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110029" class="wp-caption-text">Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Shahid Afridi is one of the most exciting T20 cricketers out there and is arguably the best in Pakistan. The former Peshawar Zalmi captain has scored 3392 runs at an amazing strike rate of 155.16 which is pretty good considering his position in the batting order.
His highest score so far is 80 having smashed 256 boundaries and 182 sixes in the 235 matches he has been a part of so far. The Khyber born all-rounder is nicknamed “Boom-Boom Afridi” for his ability to hit massive sixes and attacking mindset from the first ball.&nbsp;His bowling is also extremely miserly and effectual with his leg break googlies and variations earning him 257 wickets at an economy rate of 6.63.
Virat Kohli, the current Indian T20 captain who is considered one of the most reliable batsmen out there will be the perfect man to compete with Afridi. 6513 runs in 209 matches at a batting average of 41.22 is no joke.&nbsp;133 is the RCB captain’s current strike rate having scored 4 hundreds and 46 half centuries already. His aggression has helped him develop into a match winner for the Indian cricket team.
It will be necessary for Kohli to ensure that Afridi is unable to get into the groove by hitting him out of the park because Lala has the ability to run through batting orders if left unchecked.
<h4>2. Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110027" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110027" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Sarfraz-Ahmed-vs-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-110027" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sarfraz-Ahmed-vs-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110027" class="wp-caption-text">Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The 29-year-old enjoys the ability to score runs consistently at a brisk pace. He was recently elected captain after Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2016 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;His captaincy in the first edition of the PSL drew praise from all corners of the cricketing world after leading the Quetta Gladiators to the final. Despite being overlooked all these years the batsman has been increasingly consistent having scored 1421 runs in 106 matches at an impressive strike rate of 126.98.
Sarfaraz enjoys the ability to maturely build the innings in case of a batting collapse and explode in the last 5 overs which make him an extremely worthy competitor.
Ravichandran Ashwin is currently one of the best spinners in the game. He has already ensnared 200 batsmen in just 195 matches at an economy rate of 6.74.&nbsp;A bowling strike rate of 20.7 indicates how successful he has been in the format. MS Dhoni believed in the spinner to such a great extent that he was brought on by the skipper whenever a breakthrough was needed.&nbsp;The fact that the former CSK player rarely disappointed has encouraged Kohli to do the same.
Sarfraz Ahmed is very good at tackling spinners and the 30-year-old off spinner will be looking to use all his experience to outsmart him which will further pile up pressure on the Pakistan batting.
<h4>3. Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110025" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110025" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Mohammad-Amir-vs-Rohit-Sharma.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-110025" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Amir-vs-Rohit-Sharma.jpg" alt="Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110025" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Mohammad Amir the left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan earned respect and appreciation from all corners of the cricketing world when he made his debut at the tender age of 17 with his pace and accuracy drawing comparisons to none other than legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram.
We all know what happened and he was banned for 5 years. Though he has been unable to achieve the same heights after making a comeback, there is no doubt that he is still extremely lethal.&nbsp;74 wickets in 64 games at an economy rate of 6.67 and a strike rate of 19.2 certainly seems to indicate that the bowler representing the Karachi Kings in the PSL is extremely efficient and effective.
Rohit Sharma is currently one of the best batsmen in the format having scored 6209 runs in 236 games at an amazing strike rate of 131.65.&nbsp;His two double centuries in ODI cricket certainly demonstrates how valuable he has been in the shorter formats of the game. He has been one of the best batsmen for his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
The 29-year-old batsman recently made a controversial comment about the 24-year-old labeling him as an overrated bowler who was still not consistent enough.
Their rivalry on the field will be a joy to witness.
<h4>4. Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110023" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110023" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Imad-Wasim-vs-Suresh-Raina.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-110023" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Imad-Wasim-vs-Suresh-Raina.jpg" alt="Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110023" class="wp-caption-text">Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Imad Wasim has been one of Pakistan’s top performers ever since he made his debut for the Pakistan U-19 team. His lack of pace forced him to give up on his dream of emulating Pakistan’s legendary pace bowler Wasim Akram.&nbsp;However, the youngster took it up as a challenge and decided to adapt himself. A switch to left-arm spin bowling has worked out pretty well for him.
His big hitting abilities have transformed him into a reliable middle order batsman and a powerful finisher in the shorter format of the game which is a good sign for a country crying out for a big-hitting allrounder ever since Abdul Razzaq decided to retire.
Wasim has scored 708 runs in 76 matches at a strike rate of 123.56. He has also managed to pick up 74 wickets at an economy rate of 6.35 and a strike rate of 20.4 which indicates how sublime his performances have been.
Recently he became the second fastest bowler after Umar Gul in Pakistan’s cricketing history to take a 5-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. His stunning performances for PSL franchise Karachi Kings in the 2016 season certainly did his reputation no harm.
Suresh Raina is the second highest all-time run scorer in the IPL. He has scored 6326 runs in 242 matches at a strike rate of 139 and an average of 33.12. The attacking left-handed batsman can clear boundaries easily and is also one of the best fielders currently out there.
The current Gujarat Lions skipper can split the field and discover gaps in any scenario which has earned him comparisons to Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
He is also extremely potent as a bowler having picked up 50 wickets at an economy rate of 7.14 and a strike rate of 26. His right arm off-break bowling has earned his team breakthroughs in many tough situations which have made the difference between a victory and a defeat.
The battle between Wasim and Raina will be a major factor in the outcome of the game. Raina can shatter the confidence of the opposition bowlers with his big hitting when in form and&nbsp; Wasim will be looking to snap him up early with his left-armers.
<h4>5. Wahab Riaz vs Mahendra Singh Dhoni</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110021" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Wahab-Riaz-vs-MS-Dhoni.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-110021" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Wahab-Riaz-vs-MS-Dhoni.jpg" alt="Wahab Riaz vs MS Dhoni" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110021" class="wp-caption-text">Wahab Riaz vs MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Wahab Riaz who is one of Pakistan’s top pace bowlers is blessed with pace but his bowling performances have not been as consistent. In spite of this inconsistency, the 31-year-old is still one of the most impactful bowlers in the format.
His superb bowling performance against Australia in the 2015 World Cup left Shane Watson unsettled and could have possibly won the game for Pakistan if the fielders were up with their act. The Peshawar Zalmi opening bowler has snapped up 138 wickets in 122 games at an economy rate of 7.24 and average of 22.57.&nbsp;He is even capable of smashing a few lusty blows with the willow having scored 575 runs down the order at a strike rate of 122.34.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni the charismatic Indian batsman is one of the most popular T20 batsmen in the world. His unorthodox gameplay and ability to improvise makes his overall profile extremely impressive.
The wicketkeeper-batsman can deposit even yorkers into the stands because of the amazing weapon in his arsenal – the Helicopter shot. No target is un-chaseable as long as MSD is out there on the crease.
The Indian team and his former IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings have won many games as a result of his amazing finishing skills down the order. The 35-year-old has scored&nbsp; 4954 in 245 matches at a strike rate of 135.80 and an average of 37.53.
Riaz will be looking to castle him early otherwise, the Jharkhand-born batsman is more than capable of leading his side to an extremely challenging target if not stopped.
Written by Arnab Mukherji

Pakistani cricketers – Shahid Afridi, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Hafeez, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Umar Gul represented different IPL franchises during the first season of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Their performances left much to be desired with Sohail Tanvir emerging as the sole success story.
The wrong-footed left-arm bowler troubled the batsmen with his nagging accuracy and probing line eventually emerging as the first ever purple cap winner. However, after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, franchises were advised to terminate or suspend contracts.
The PCB decided to come up with their own version of a T20 league called the PSL i.e. the Pakistan Super League in the year 2016 with the tournament conducted in the United Arab Emirates. There were reports that T20 cricketing clashes might be organized between franchises in the PSL and in the IPL. Let’s take a look at 5 player battles that will be extremely exciting to witness:
<h4>1. Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110029" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110029" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Shahid-Afridi-vs-Virat-Kohli.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110029" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shahid-Afridi-vs-Virat-Kohli.jpg" alt="Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110029" class="wp-caption-text">Shahid Afridi vs Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Shahid Afridi is one of the most exciting T20 cricketers out there and is arguably the best in Pakistan. The former Peshawar Zalmi captain has scored 3392 runs at an amazing strike rate of 155.16 which is pretty good considering his position in the batting order.
His highest score so far is 80 having smashed 256 boundaries and 182 sixes in the 235 matches he has been a part of so far. The Khyber born all-rounder is nicknamed “Boom-Boom Afridi” for his ability to hit massive sixes and attacking mindset from the first ball. His bowling is also extremely miserly and effectual with his leg break googlies and variations earning him 257 wickets at an economy rate of 6.63.
Virat Kohli, the current Indian T20 captain who is considered one of the most reliable batsmen out there will be the perfect man to compete with Afridi. 6513 runs in 209 matches at a batting average of 41.22 is no joke. 133 is the RCB captain’s current strike rate having scored 4 hundreds and 46 half centuries already. His aggression has helped him develop into a match winner for the Indian cricket team.
It will be necessary for Kohli to ensure that Afridi is unable to get into the groove by hitting him out of the park because Lala has the ability to run through batting orders if left unchecked.
<h4>2. Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110027" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110027" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Sarfraz-Ahmed-vs-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110027" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sarfraz-Ahmed-vs-Ravichandran-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110027" class="wp-caption-text">Sarfraz Ahmed vs Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The 29-year-old enjoys the ability to score runs consistently at a brisk pace. He was recently elected captain after Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2016 T20 World Cup. His captaincy in the first edition of the PSL drew praise from all corners of the cricketing world after leading the Quetta Gladiators to the final. Despite being overlooked all these years the batsman has been increasingly consistent having scored 1421 runs in 106 matches at an impressive strike rate of 126.98.
Sarfaraz enjoys the ability to maturely build the innings in case of a batting collapse and explode in the last 5 overs which make him an extremely worthy competitor.
Ravichandran Ashwin is currently one of the best spinners in the game. He has already ensnared 200 batsmen in just 195 matches at an economy rate of 6.74. A bowling strike rate of 20.7 indicates how successful he has been in the format. MS Dhoni believed in the spinner to such a great extent that he was brought on by the skipper whenever a breakthrough was needed. The fact that the former CSK player rarely disappointed has encouraged Kohli to do the same.
Sarfraz Ahmed is very good at tackling spinners and the 30-year-old off spinner will be looking to use all his experience to outsmart him which will further pile up pressure on the Pakistan batting.
<h4>3. Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110025" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110025" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Mohammad-Amir-vs-Rohit-Sharma.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110025" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohammad-Amir-vs-Rohit-Sharma.jpg" alt="Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110025" class="wp-caption-text">Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Mohammad Amir the left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan earned respect and appreciation from all corners of the cricketing world when he made his debut at the tender age of 17 with his pace and accuracy drawing comparisons to none other than legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram.
We all know what happened and he was banned for 5 years. Though he has been unable to achieve the same heights after making a comeback, there is no doubt that he is still extremely lethal. 74 wickets in 64 games at an economy rate of 6.67 and a strike rate of 19.2 certainly seems to indicate that the bowler representing the Karachi Kings in the PSL is extremely efficient and effective.
Rohit Sharma is currently one of the best batsmen in the format having scored 6209 runs in 236 games at an amazing strike rate of 131.65. His two double centuries in ODI cricket certainly demonstrates how valuable he has been in the shorter formats of the game. He has been one of the best batsmen for his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
The 29-year-old batsman recently made a controversial comment about the 24-year-old labeling him as an overrated bowler who was still not consistent enough.
Their rivalry on the field will be a joy to witness.
<h4>4. Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110023" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110023" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Imad-Wasim-vs-Suresh-Raina.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110023" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Imad-Wasim-vs-Suresh-Raina.jpg" alt="Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110023" class="wp-caption-text">Imad Wasim vs Suresh Raina. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Imad Wasim has been one of Pakistan’s top performers ever since he made his debut for the Pakistan U-19 team. His lack of pace forced him to give up on his dream of emulating Pakistan’s legendary pace bowler Wasim Akram. However, the youngster took it up as a challenge and decided to adapt himself. A switch to left-arm spin bowling has worked out pretty well for him.
His big hitting abilities have transformed him into a reliable middle order batsman and a powerful finisher in the shorter format of the game which is a good sign for a country crying out for a big-hitting allrounder ever since Abdul Razzaq decided to retire.
Wasim has scored 708 runs in 76 matches at a strike rate of 123.56. He has also managed to pick up 74 wickets at an economy rate of 6.35 and a strike rate of 20.4 which indicates how sublime his performances have been.
Recently he became the second fastest bowler after Umar Gul in Pakistan’s cricketing history to take a 5-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. His stunning performances for PSL franchise Karachi Kings in the 2016 season certainly did his reputation no harm.
Suresh Raina is the second highest all-time run scorer in the IPL. He has scored 6326 runs in 242 matches at a strike rate of 139 and an average of 33.12. The attacking left-handed batsman can clear boundaries easily and is also one of the best fielders currently out there.
The current Gujarat Lions skipper can split the field and discover gaps in any scenario which has earned him comparisons to Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
He is also extremely potent as a bowler having picked up 50 wickets at an economy rate of 7.14 and a strike rate of 26. His right arm off-break bowling has earned his team breakthroughs in many tough situations which have made the difference between a victory and a defeat.
The battle between Wasim and Raina will be a major factor in the outcome of the game. Raina can shatter the confidence of the opposition bowlers with his big hitting when in form and  Wasim will be looking to snap him up early with his left-armers.
<h4>5. Wahab Riaz vs Mahendra Singh Dhoni</h4>
<figure id="attachment_110021" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110021" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/02/Wahab-Riaz-vs-MS-Dhoni.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-110021" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Wahab-Riaz-vs-MS-Dhoni.jpg" alt="Wahab Riaz vs MS Dhoni" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110021" class="wp-caption-text">Wahab Riaz vs MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Wahab Riaz who is one of Pakistan’s top pace bowlers is blessed with pace but his bowling performances have not been as consistent. In spite of this inconsistency, the 31-year-old is still one of the most impactful bowlers in the format.
His superb bowling performance against Australia in the 2015 World Cup left Shane Watson unsettled and could have possibly won the game for Pakistan if the fielders were up with their act. The Peshawar Zalmi opening bowler has snapped up 138 wickets in 122 games at an economy rate of 7.24 and average of 22.57. He is even capable of smashing a few lusty blows with the willow having scored 575 runs down the order at a strike rate of 122.34.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni the charismatic Indian batsman is one of the most popular T20 batsmen in the world. His unorthodox gameplay and ability to improvise makes his overall profile extremely impressive.
The wicketkeeper-batsman can deposit even yorkers into the stands because of the amazing weapon in his arsenal – the Helicopter shot. No target is un-chaseable as long as MSD is out there on the crease.
The Indian team and his former IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings have won many games as a result of his amazing finishing skills down the order. The 35-year-old has scored  4954 in 245 matches at a strike rate of 135.80 and an average of 37.53.
Riaz will be looking to castle him early otherwise, the Jharkhand-born batsman is more than capable of leading his side to an extremely challenging target if not stopped.
Written by Arnab Mukherji

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