PSL 2018: Full list of award winners

The third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) came to an end after all the action and drama for over a month as six teams fought for the glory. Eventually, it was Islamabad United who won the tournament and undoubtedly was the best side throughout. The runners-up Peshawar Zalmi also played brilliantly as they found their mojo at the right time and were on a four-match winning streak only to be halted in the final. However, more than anything else, the action returned to Pakistan as their cricket board continued to host matches successfully in the country.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) once again made everyone believe that international players can play cricket in their country as Karachi hosted its maiden PSL game. The whole tournament was played in great spirit as most of the matches went down the wire with a couple of them going to the Super Over. Most importantly, more overseas players travelled to Pakistan this year compared to the last season which was a biggest positive.

Islamabad United have won the tournament for the second time in three years now under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq who had to miss the final due to the wrist injury. But JP Duminy led his side well on the night of the final as Luke Ronchi’s blitz with the bat helped them seal the deal and win the trophy.

Here’s a compilation of the summary of the post-match presentation ceremony;

Man of the Match: Luke Ronchi

Luke Ronchi was once again the architect of the victory for Islamabad United on the night of the final. In the pursuit of the tricky 149-run target, he smashed their opponents in the powerplay itself and scored 52 off just 26 deliveries. The former Kiwi player hit 5 sixes and 4 fours during his stay in the middle. His knock helped his team to even go past the shocking collapse which followed after his wicket as they won the game easily in the end with 19 balls to spare.

Player of the tournament: Luke Ronchi

Luke Ronchi was also the player of the tournament as he struck form at the right time opening the innings for Islamabad United. He started off with a couple of low scores but then provided his team with a great start in almost every match. Ronchi scored 435 runs in 11 outings at an amazing strike rate of 182 and an average of 43.50 as he was the leading run-scorer as well. He hit five half-centuries among which 94* was his best score.

Best Batsman of the tournament: Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal was named the best batsman of the PSL as he is now the highest run-getter in the history of the tournament as well. He was second in the list of the leading run-scorers this year only by 10 years behind Ronchi. Akmal smashed 425 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 153.42 and average of 38.63. His consistency at the top helped Peshawar Zalmi win more matches during the course of the tournament.

Best Bowler of the tournament: Faheem Ashraf

Faheem Ashraf was awarded the best bowler of the tournament who also featured for the winning team Islamabad United. He picked 18 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.22 and economy of 7.75.

Safe Hands of the tournament: Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara of Multan Sultans took the most number of catches in the PSL this season. His wicketkeeping skills are still superb even after giving up international and went on pluck 10 catches in as many matches in the tournament.

Fairplay award: Islamabad United

The eventual winners Islamabad United were given the fair play award for playing within the spirits of the game throughout the tournament. They were led by the veteran Misbah and then by JP Duminy in the later stages as they handled the team really well.

Best Umpire: Rashid Riaz

Rashid Riaz was named the best umpire of the tournament as he gave most number of correct decisions during the tense moments of the matches.

Here’s our video of the day:

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