PSL 2018: Best XI of the tournament

Islamabad United won the third season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by defeating the defending champions Peshawar Zalmi in the thrilling final. They were the better team in the title clash as they hunted in a pack much like they had done thorughout the tournament. Peshawar Zalmi though were on a roll coming into this game unbeaten in their last 4 matches. However, they failed to set the ball rolling when it mattered the most and eventually ended as the runners-up of the PSL this year.

Some of the high quality cricket was played throughout the five weeks though as the new entrants Multan Sultans also gave a good account of themselves before losing steam in the last few league matches. Quetta Gladiators failed to reach the finals for the first time in three years. The biggest positive for Pakistan cricket was more international stars visiting the country to play the match as all the three matches were hosted perfectly by them. The atmosphere in both Lahore and Karachi was absolutely electric.

Here we bring you the best XI of the tournament:

1. Luke Ronchi (wk) (Islamabad United)

Undoubtedly, Luke Ronchi was the player of the tournament, thanks to his swashbuckling batting as he maintained the strike rate of 182 right through. He scored 435 runs in 11 matches at an amazing average of 43.50 with a highest score of 94*. More often than not he provided United with a perfect start and Ronchi did the same in the final by scoring 52 off just 26 deliveries. He was also named the Man of the Final for his antics with the bat.

2. Kamran Akmal (Peshawar Zalmi)

Kamran Akmal has been the best batsman of the PSL ever since its inception. He has managed to amaze the cricket fans every year with his batting at the top of the order. This time around he smashed 425 runs in 13 matches , only 10 runs behind Ronchi at a strike rate of 153.42. He hit 4 half-centuries to go with a blazing ton in the must-win game for Zalmi. His form with the bat helped his team in all the matches as he was the main reason why Zalmi even reached close to defending their title.

3. Shane Watson (Quetta Gladiators)

If there was an award for Best all-rounder of the season, it would’ve gone to Shane Watson. He was just superb for Quetta Gladiators this year both with his bat and bal. It was one of his best seasons in T20 leagues and made an impact almost in every game he played. Watson accumulated 319 runs in 10 outings for Quetta at a strike rate of 135.16, 90* being his highest score. He also played a crucial role by picking 11 wickets at an average of 25 and his economy was 7.66 which is acceptable in the shortest format of the game.

4. Babar Azam (Karachi Kings)

Babar Azam, the best player of Pakistan across formats, was once again at the top of the charts with his consistent showings in the tournament. He was the highest run-getter for his team Karachi Kings with 402 runs in 12 matches at a decent strike rate 122.He shepherded the innings more often and tried to stay until the end while the other batsmen in the ine-up went for big shots. Though the cricketer would love to improve his strike rate next time around when he will come out to bat in T20s.

5. Colin Ingram (Karachi Kings)

Colin Ingram of South Africa walks into this team only because of his hitting skills which he displayed while playing for Karachi. He came to bat mostly at the death or when the team needed a quick-fire blitz and the left-hander didn’t disappoint his skipper. Ingram scored his 243 runs at a strike rate of 140 which is extra-ordinary as he batted in the middle order and played last few overs mostly.

6. Shoaib Malik (Multan Sultans)

Shoaib Malik has been regarded as the veteran now for Pakistan and he was at the helm for the new franchise ultan Sultans. He didn’t disappoint as he led the team admirably well and also batted gamely. He smashed 224 runs in 10 outings at an average of 37.33 which shows his consistenct with the bat coming down the order for his team. He also plucked a couple of wickets as he tried rolling his arms during the tournament.

7. Liam Dawson (Peshawar Zalmi)

The surprise package of the season was unvieled by Zalmi when they played mid-way through the tournament. He made an impact immediately with the ball in hand by picking crucial wickets in his very first game. His batting was a plus for them as Dawson scored 145 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 134.25. With the ball though he was more lethal scalping 8 wickets with 3/17 being his best. No wonder his stakes as an all-rounder would be increased now following impressive performances in this tournament.

8. Shahid Afridi (c) (Karachi Kings)

Shahid Afridi will play in this team as a pure bowler as he failed miserably with the bat this year. He will also lead the team given his skills to handle the team properly and with maturity. His leg-spin proved difficult for the batsmen to pick as Afridi ended with 13 wickets after 9 matches at the average of 16 and a miserly economy of 6.30 which is one of the best in the PSL this season.

9. Faheem Ashraf (Islamabad United)

Faheem Ashraf was the best bowler of the tournament and undoubtedly his team won the tournament as it is the bowlers who set up the victories for their sides. He scalped 18 wickets in 12 matches while condeding 7.75 runs per over which is quite acceptable as he bowled the most difficult overs most of the times. He gave wickets at the crucial junctures for his skipper which the valuable asset of the team. He also fittingly finished the final with a huge six and won the trophy for United.

10. Wahab Riaz (Peshawar Zalmi)

The new look of Wahab Riaz and his celebration was trending at the start of the season but he bowled brilliantly. He was the go to bowler for Sammy everytime and he delivered the goods more often then not. Wahab was erratic at times but the way he spit venom was the heartening to see. He ended the season with 18 wickets and was economical as well conceding 6.9 runs per over.

11. Mohammad Sami (Islamabad United)

It is not a surrpise that Mohammad Sami has made it into this XI. He was absolutely terrific with the new ball for United giving them perfect starts and kept the batsmen always on the tenterhooks. He picked 13 wickets in 11 matched wirth 3/21 being his best figures in the PSL this year. Moreover, Sami was also ecnomical as he landed his yorkers better than anyone and went for 6.82 runs per over throughout the tournament.

Here’s our video of the day:

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