Pakistan Super League (PSL) Third Edition-News, Updates and Discussions
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PSL 2018 preview: Can Peshawar Zalmi retain their title without Afridi?
If there is one team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that has ruled both the pitch and the spectators' hearts, it is Peshawar Zalmi.
After impressing during the first edition but falling short of qualifying for the final, Zalmi powered through the second time and emerged as winners in front of a capacity crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Zalmi skipper Darren Sammy’s selfie with his teammates is still one of the most iconic moments of the league.
It is safe to say that Zalmi will start off as tournament favourites this season and the rest of the sides will have to come up with a way to stop this juggernaut.
Zalmi's key strength so far has been their aggressive style of play.
Even without the swashbuckling former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, who will now feature for the Karachi Kings, Zalmi have the firepower to humiliate any opposition.
Strengths and weaknesses
Zalmi have been phenomenal with both the bat and the ball in the previous editions, but with Hasan Ali’s injury, Afridi's departure and Dwayne Bravo's unavailability, their attack has been weakened.
In their absence, Wahab Riaz will have to lead the bowling attack.
Sammy would want his batsmen to step up. In Kamran Akmal and Tamim Iqbal, they have an explosive top order. It will be on Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail to build up the innings, and on Dwayne Smith to provide the firepower later on.
Despite a few last-minute changes to their roster, Zalmi still have a strong line-up, featuring a balanced blend of batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders.
But it is no denying that they will be heavily relying on their big names to perform and their squad does not seem to be as strong as it was in the previous two seasons.
Player availability
The team was dealt a major blow with the injury of Hasan Ali, who will be covered for by Umaid Asif, a 33-year-old medium-fast bowler from Sialkot. Hasan is still accompanying the team, with his recovery to be monitored on a daily basis.
Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will also be away this season. Liam Dawson, a slow left-arm orthodox bowler from England, will replace him.
Zalmi were in for another setback with the absence of West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, but they managed to rope in another Caribbean all-rounder Dwayne Smith to cover for him.
Another change in the squad was announced recently when Evin Lewis was selected by the West Indies for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Rikki Wessels, the son of former Proteas captain Kepler Wessels, has joined in place of Lewis.
Tamim Iqbal will also be unavailable after March 4th as he will be heading back to Bangladesh for national duty.
Player to watch: Kamran Akmal
Kamran Akmal, 36, may be out of favour as far as the Pakistani team is concerned, but he has not stopped piling runs in the domestic circuit.
With a strike rate of 130.79 in 211 domestic T20s, Akmal has three hundreds and 31 half-centuries to his credit. He remains a key player for Zalmi, especially at a time when the franchise is already short of key performers.
It will be a great opportunity for Akmal to make a case for his return to the national side. Young players are no doubt a good prospect for future, but there should be space for merit as well.
Squad
Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal, Liam Dawson (cover for Shakib Al Hasan), Darren Sammy (captain), Umaid Asif (cover for Hasan Ali), Haris Sohail, Chris Jordan, Mohammad Asghar, Dwayne Smith, Tamim Iqbal, Hammad Azam, Saad Nasim, Taimoor Sultan, Sameen Gul, Ibtisam Shaikh, Andre Fletcher, Rikki Wessels, Khalid Usman and Mohammad Arif
If there is one team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that has ruled both the pitch and the spectators' hearts, it is Peshawar Zalmi.
After impressing during the first edition but falling short of qualifying for the final, Zalmi powered through the second time and emerged as winners in front of a capacity crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Zalmi skipper Darren Sammy’s selfie with his teammates is still one of the most iconic moments of the league.
It is safe to say that Zalmi will start off as tournament favourites this season and the rest of the sides will have to come up with a way to stop this juggernaut.
Zalmi's key strength so far has been their aggressive style of play.
Even without the swashbuckling former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, who will now feature for the Karachi Kings, Zalmi have the firepower to humiliate any opposition.
Strengths and weaknesses
Zalmi have been phenomenal with both the bat and the ball in the previous editions, but with Hasan Ali’s injury, Afridi's departure and Dwayne Bravo's unavailability, their attack has been weakened.
In their absence, Wahab Riaz will have to lead the bowling attack.
Sammy would want his batsmen to step up. In Kamran Akmal and Tamim Iqbal, they have an explosive top order. It will be on Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail to build up the innings, and on Dwayne Smith to provide the firepower later on.
Despite a few last-minute changes to their roster, Zalmi still have a strong line-up, featuring a balanced blend of batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders.
But it is no denying that they will be heavily relying on their big names to perform and their squad does not seem to be as strong as it was in the previous two seasons.
Player availability
The team was dealt a major blow with the injury of Hasan Ali, who will be covered for by Umaid Asif, a 33-year-old medium-fast bowler from Sialkot. Hasan is still accompanying the team, with his recovery to be monitored on a daily basis.
Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will also be away this season. Liam Dawson, a slow left-arm orthodox bowler from England, will replace him.
Zalmi were in for another setback with the absence of West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, but they managed to rope in another Caribbean all-rounder Dwayne Smith to cover for him.
Another change in the squad was announced recently when Evin Lewis was selected by the West Indies for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Rikki Wessels, the son of former Proteas captain Kepler Wessels, has joined in place of Lewis.
Tamim Iqbal will also be unavailable after March 4th as he will be heading back to Bangladesh for national duty.
Player to watch: Kamran Akmal
Kamran Akmal, 36, may be out of favour as far as the Pakistani team is concerned, but he has not stopped piling runs in the domestic circuit.
With a strike rate of 130.79 in 211 domestic T20s, Akmal has three hundreds and 31 half-centuries to his credit. He remains a key player for Zalmi, especially at a time when the franchise is already short of key performers.
It will be a great opportunity for Akmal to make a case for his return to the national side. Young players are no doubt a good prospect for future, but there should be space for merit as well.
Squad
Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal, Liam Dawson (cover for Shakib Al Hasan), Darren Sammy (captain), Umaid Asif (cover for Hasan Ali), Haris Sohail, Chris Jordan, Mohammad Asghar, Dwayne Smith, Tamim Iqbal, Hammad Azam, Saad Nasim, Taimoor Sultan, Sameen Gul, Ibtisam Shaikh, Andre Fletcher, Rikki Wessels, Khalid Usman and Mohammad Arif
Devil Soul
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Pakistan Super League 2018 kicks off today – here's what's in store
Roha NadeemFebruary 22, 2018
Facebook Count47
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Team captains pose with the PSL 2018 trophy. –Photo
CB
Once again, it is that time of the year when every countryman comes together under the festivity of cricket. Tonight, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) returns for a third year, looking to be bigger and better.
Bigger in the literal sense, with more matches being played through the tournament by virtue of a new team, making it six teams in total.
The league will span across Dubai and Sharjah before shifting to Pakistan for the final leg. In more titillating news, Lahore fans will get to witness double thrill this time with two eliminators being staged at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The cherry on top, however, is the venue for the grand finale: National Stadium, Karachi. The City of Lights is gearing up to host the spectacle and preparations are in full swing.
Multan Sultans
The Multan Sultans are the newest feather in the PSL cap, bought by the UAE-based real-estate company Schon Properties for $5.2 million.
A vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and passion for cricket, the Sultans are just the perfect bolt of new energy the PSL needed.
For their maiden run, the Sultans have assembled a sharp looking squad to be led by T20 veteran Shoaib Malik.
On the batting bench, they have openers Ahmed Shehzad and Shan Masood, Kumar Sangakkara, Kieron Pollard and Multan's very own, Sohaib Maqsood.
Leading the bowling will be Sohail Tanvir, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Imran Tahir, and Umar Gul.
PSL 2018 preview: Multan Sultans set to make the competition tougher
To make sure they have all the areas covered, Multan Sultans have brought in the Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram as Director Cricket Operations.
This is quite a strategic move, considering Akram's salient role in the PSL and his previous experience as Islamabad United's mentor.
Although the Sultans have managed to rope in some catchy names and adopted a lucrative pre-tournament marketing strategy, it is impossible to ignore the challenge ahead of them: competing with seasoned franchises.
Peshawar Zalmi
Defending champions Peshawar Zalmi will be firm favourites to retain their title under the leadership of Darren Sammy.
The squad appears sharp once again with the likes of Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Shakib al-Hassan, Tamim Iqbal, Dwayne Bravo and others ready to set the field afire.
PSL 2018 preview: Can Peshawar Zalmi retain their title without Afridi?
Their star names Kamran Akmal and Wahab Riaz played key roles last season in taking Zalmi to the top. However, the team is missing its biggest bait Shahid Afridi, whose absence could upset the apple cart this season.
Only time will tell how Peshawar Zalmi, who were until last season synonymous with the name Shahid Afridi, will fare on the field without him.
Quetta Gladiators
The Gladiators enter this season sporting the most consistent track record in the league. Last year, they rocketed to the final for the second time in a row, only to lose the trophy to Zalmi in an anti-climatic final.
This year, they have brought in Shane Watson to fill that genuine all-rounder gap in the middle order. Among their key players this year are captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Kevin Pietersen, Rilee Rossouw, Asad Shafiq, and Mohammad Nawaz.
PSL 2018 preview: Will Quetta Gladiators be third-time lucky?
Interestingly, the Gladiators are carrying three captains in the side, Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan), Hassan Khan (Pakistan Under-19) and Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies T20). Let's see if Quetta can take it one step further this time.
Islamabad United
United surprised all in the first edition by playing commendable T20 cricket under the leadership of Misbah Ul Haq and winning the tournament. In the second year, their fortunes were not so great.
Coming season, United have released two big names, Shane Watson and Mohammad Irfan, while Andre Russell makes a comeback after a year-long ban.
PSL 2018 preview: Fixed-up Islamabad United seek a fresh start
They have a solid bowling attack in Samuel Badree, Shadab Khan, Rumman Raees and Mohammad Sami; while their batting options also look good with captain Misbah Ul Haq, Luke Ronchi, Sam Billings and JP Duminy.
United have also scouted batsman Sahibzada Farhan whose recent domestic performances have turned many heads. It will be interesting to see what playing combinations captain Misbah and mentor Waqar Younis conjure up this season.
Lahore Qalandars
The Qalandars have failed to make any progress in the last couple of years much to the dismay of their colossal fan-base. They finished last in the points table twice in a row as their tactical plans failed to elicit results.
They will once again be counting on their star picks Brendon Mccullum, Umar Akmal, Sunil Narine, Fakhar Zaman, and Yasir Shah. Among new additions are Australian batsman Chris Lynn and left-handed Mustafizur Rehman.
PSL 2018 preview: Lahore Qalandars hope for a change in fortune
The difference for Qalandars this year could be the teenage sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose record bowling made headlines in the recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Another exciting prospect for Lahore this year is having Shoaib Akhtar mentor the side, a move which could nudge the team into a new direction.
Karachi Kings
The Kings have experimented with quite a few captains, the newest being Imad Wasim. Another surprise in the Karachi dug-out is Shahid Afridi, whose presence and experience could positively influence the team's dressing room.
PSL 2018 preview: Will the under-achieving Karachi Kings do better under Imad Wasim?
Among other key players this season are Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam, Ravi Bopara, and Eoin Morgan as a supplementary player. England pacer Tymal Mills will also feature in the squad after replacing Mitchell Johnson.
Last season, the Kings jumped up one place from their dismal inaugural stint by finishing third. Let's see if a new captain and Shahid Afridi can be their recipe for success this year.
Roha NadeemFebruary 22, 2018
Facebook Count47
Twitter Share
1
Team captains pose with the PSL 2018 trophy. –Photo
CBOnce again, it is that time of the year when every countryman comes together under the festivity of cricket. Tonight, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) returns for a third year, looking to be bigger and better.
Bigger in the literal sense, with more matches being played through the tournament by virtue of a new team, making it six teams in total.
The league will span across Dubai and Sharjah before shifting to Pakistan for the final leg. In more titillating news, Lahore fans will get to witness double thrill this time with two eliminators being staged at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The cherry on top, however, is the venue for the grand finale: National Stadium, Karachi. The City of Lights is gearing up to host the spectacle and preparations are in full swing.
Multan Sultans
The Multan Sultans are the newest feather in the PSL cap, bought by the UAE-based real-estate company Schon Properties for $5.2 million.
A vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and passion for cricket, the Sultans are just the perfect bolt of new energy the PSL needed.
For their maiden run, the Sultans have assembled a sharp looking squad to be led by T20 veteran Shoaib Malik.
On the batting bench, they have openers Ahmed Shehzad and Shan Masood, Kumar Sangakkara, Kieron Pollard and Multan's very own, Sohaib Maqsood.
Leading the bowling will be Sohail Tanvir, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Imran Tahir, and Umar Gul.
PSL 2018 preview: Multan Sultans set to make the competition tougher
To make sure they have all the areas covered, Multan Sultans have brought in the Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram as Director Cricket Operations.
This is quite a strategic move, considering Akram's salient role in the PSL and his previous experience as Islamabad United's mentor.
Although the Sultans have managed to rope in some catchy names and adopted a lucrative pre-tournament marketing strategy, it is impossible to ignore the challenge ahead of them: competing with seasoned franchises.
Peshawar Zalmi
Defending champions Peshawar Zalmi will be firm favourites to retain their title under the leadership of Darren Sammy.
The squad appears sharp once again with the likes of Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Shakib al-Hassan, Tamim Iqbal, Dwayne Bravo and others ready to set the field afire.
PSL 2018 preview: Can Peshawar Zalmi retain their title without Afridi?
Their star names Kamran Akmal and Wahab Riaz played key roles last season in taking Zalmi to the top. However, the team is missing its biggest bait Shahid Afridi, whose absence could upset the apple cart this season.
Only time will tell how Peshawar Zalmi, who were until last season synonymous with the name Shahid Afridi, will fare on the field without him.
Quetta Gladiators
The Gladiators enter this season sporting the most consistent track record in the league. Last year, they rocketed to the final for the second time in a row, only to lose the trophy to Zalmi in an anti-climatic final.
This year, they have brought in Shane Watson to fill that genuine all-rounder gap in the middle order. Among their key players this year are captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Kevin Pietersen, Rilee Rossouw, Asad Shafiq, and Mohammad Nawaz.
PSL 2018 preview: Will Quetta Gladiators be third-time lucky?
Interestingly, the Gladiators are carrying three captains in the side, Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan), Hassan Khan (Pakistan Under-19) and Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies T20). Let's see if Quetta can take it one step further this time.
Islamabad United
United surprised all in the first edition by playing commendable T20 cricket under the leadership of Misbah Ul Haq and winning the tournament. In the second year, their fortunes were not so great.
Coming season, United have released two big names, Shane Watson and Mohammad Irfan, while Andre Russell makes a comeback after a year-long ban.
PSL 2018 preview: Fixed-up Islamabad United seek a fresh start
They have a solid bowling attack in Samuel Badree, Shadab Khan, Rumman Raees and Mohammad Sami; while their batting options also look good with captain Misbah Ul Haq, Luke Ronchi, Sam Billings and JP Duminy.
United have also scouted batsman Sahibzada Farhan whose recent domestic performances have turned many heads. It will be interesting to see what playing combinations captain Misbah and mentor Waqar Younis conjure up this season.
Lahore Qalandars
The Qalandars have failed to make any progress in the last couple of years much to the dismay of their colossal fan-base. They finished last in the points table twice in a row as their tactical plans failed to elicit results.
They will once again be counting on their star picks Brendon Mccullum, Umar Akmal, Sunil Narine, Fakhar Zaman, and Yasir Shah. Among new additions are Australian batsman Chris Lynn and left-handed Mustafizur Rehman.
PSL 2018 preview: Lahore Qalandars hope for a change in fortune
The difference for Qalandars this year could be the teenage sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose record bowling made headlines in the recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Another exciting prospect for Lahore this year is having Shoaib Akhtar mentor the side, a move which could nudge the team into a new direction.
Karachi Kings
The Kings have experimented with quite a few captains, the newest being Imad Wasim. Another surprise in the Karachi dug-out is Shahid Afridi, whose presence and experience could positively influence the team's dressing room.
PSL 2018 preview: Will the under-achieving Karachi Kings do better under Imad Wasim?
Among other key players this season are Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam, Ravi Bopara, and Eoin Morgan as a supplementary player. England pacer Tymal Mills will also feature in the squad after replacing Mitchell Johnson.
Last season, the Kings jumped up one place from their dismal inaugural stint by finishing third. Let's see if a new captain and Shahid Afridi can be their recipe for success this year.
Devil Soul
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Multan Sultans may be new but they have all the right ingredients needed to take home the title
By Abdul Basit Sayeed 23 minutes ago
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The addition of Multan Sultans will not only boost the value of PSL as a brand in the sporting world but it will also give more opportunity to local players to showcase their talent. PHOTO: MULTAN SULTANS
Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) third season kicks off tonight. The cricketing fraternity in Pakistan and the UAE is buzzing and cricket fever is at its pinnacle. During the past two seasons, we saw five teams battling out for the title. Islamabad United was crowned champions in the inaugural edition of PSL, while last year it was Peshawar Zalmi who lifted the trophy in Lahore.
This time, there is an addition of a sixth franchise, Multan Sultans. This addition will not only boost the value of PSL as a brand in the sporting world but will also give more opportunity to local players to showcase their talent. Since Sultans are still new and a little unknown, here are five talking points about this new outfit:
1. Shoaib Malik as skipper
In the previous two seasons, Malik was playing for the Karachi Kings. This time around, however, he will be leading this new franchise. He has ample experience featuring in numerous T20I leagues all over the world, which will be an advantage for him and the team. Statistics wise, he is among the top five highest run-getter in T20I. It is very likely then that he will take the spotlight with both batting and bowling.
2. Overseas stars
With the inclusion of Kumar Sangakkara, Kieron Pollard, Sultans’ platinum pick Imran Tahir and talented West Indies players Nicholas Pooran and Darren Bravo, the Sultans have managed to gather the best in the business. Sangakkara was with Quetta Gladiators in the first season while he was picked by Karachi Kings as skipper in the second edition.
Pollard was with the Kings in both the previous editions and played a key role in winning several games for the franchise. He will likely bat at the sixth position, and since he is a reliable finisher, he will probably be seen ending the game in a grand style.
Tahir is currently ranked joint fifth in ICC T20 bowler rankings and will surely display his charisma in the spin-bowling department for the Sultans. Similarly, Pooran and Bravo are the ones who are more than capable of hitting the ball hard for boundaries and will come really handy, especially in the middle overs.
3. Formidable pace attack
With Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan as genuine fast bowlers and T20 specialist Sohail Tanvir in their squad, the Sultans have the most formidable fast-bowling line up as compared to other teams. In such tournaments, teams with most suitable pacers carry a higher chance to win. Veteran Umar Gul and recent addition in Pakistan Test side Mohammad Abbas are also part of the squad.
With such talented and skilful pacers, the Sultans are a dangerous bunch in this competition.
4. Local batting talents
With only one T20I 100 score for Pakistan, Ahmed Shahzad and Shan Masood, who is in a brilliant form in domestic ODIs, will surely enhace the Sultans’ capabilities.
In the Test arena, Masood is yet to prove himself, but considering his recent form (record breaking runs in List A season) he, alongside Shahzad will provide a solid start at the top.
From the emerging category, Saif Badar is a player with loads of talent. In the last U-19 World Cup, he was one of the top performers and also had a decent first class season this time. And as we all have seen in the past, new talent always surprises everyone and manages to win hearts.
5. Overall competitive advantage
The Sultans arguably have the strongest middle order batting line up; from Sangakkara, who will be playing an anchor role, to skipper Malik, who is in sublime form in UAE conditions.
Moreover, Pakistani axed batsman Sohaib Maqsood is in tremendous form in limited-overs cricket. He was at joint fifth position in National T20 Cup where all international heavy weights were participating.
Another thing that puts this team at an advantage from other franchises is the support staff of the team. Wasim Akram as their mentor and Tom Moody as head coach are a deadly duo. Akram has had a successful stint with Islamabad United in the first edition of PSL, while Moody was the coach of Rangur Riders in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Both of these legends have the experience to guide their team to glory.
The interesting fact about this team, which is also a bonus point, is that the Sultans have players that actually belong to the Multan region. Maqsood, Irfan and Kashif Bhatti (left arm spinner) are all Multan’s pride and this is something that is not usually seen in other franchises.
The Multan Sultans may be a new team but they have players that are experienced and excel at what they do. We can only hope that the team performs well as a single unit; after all, cricket is all about team work. They have all the right ingredients necessary to give other teams a hard time, win the games and ultimately, clinch the title in Karachi.
All photos: Multan Sultans
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Abdul Basit Sayeed
The writer is an aspiring chartered accountant. He is a keen and passionate cricket fan and currently lives in Karachi. He tweets @sportingpak (twitter.com/sportingpak)
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.
By Abdul Basit Sayeed 23 minutes ago
SHARE TWEET EMAIL
The addition of Multan Sultans will not only boost the value of PSL as a brand in the sporting world but it will also give more opportunity to local players to showcase their talent. PHOTO: MULTAN SULTANS
Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) third season kicks off tonight. The cricketing fraternity in Pakistan and the UAE is buzzing and cricket fever is at its pinnacle. During the past two seasons, we saw five teams battling out for the title. Islamabad United was crowned champions in the inaugural edition of PSL, while last year it was Peshawar Zalmi who lifted the trophy in Lahore.
This time, there is an addition of a sixth franchise, Multan Sultans. This addition will not only boost the value of PSL as a brand in the sporting world but will also give more opportunity to local players to showcase their talent. Since Sultans are still new and a little unknown, here are five talking points about this new outfit:
1. Shoaib Malik as skipper
In the previous two seasons, Malik was playing for the Karachi Kings. This time around, however, he will be leading this new franchise. He has ample experience featuring in numerous T20I leagues all over the world, which will be an advantage for him and the team. Statistics wise, he is among the top five highest run-getter in T20I. It is very likely then that he will take the spotlight with both batting and bowling.
2. Overseas stars
With the inclusion of Kumar Sangakkara, Kieron Pollard, Sultans’ platinum pick Imran Tahir and talented West Indies players Nicholas Pooran and Darren Bravo, the Sultans have managed to gather the best in the business. Sangakkara was with Quetta Gladiators in the first season while he was picked by Karachi Kings as skipper in the second edition.
Pollard was with the Kings in both the previous editions and played a key role in winning several games for the franchise. He will likely bat at the sixth position, and since he is a reliable finisher, he will probably be seen ending the game in a grand style.
Tahir is currently ranked joint fifth in ICC T20 bowler rankings and will surely display his charisma in the spin-bowling department for the Sultans. Similarly, Pooran and Bravo are the ones who are more than capable of hitting the ball hard for boundaries and will come really handy, especially in the middle overs.
3. Formidable pace attack
With Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan as genuine fast bowlers and T20 specialist Sohail Tanvir in their squad, the Sultans have the most formidable fast-bowling line up as compared to other teams. In such tournaments, teams with most suitable pacers carry a higher chance to win. Veteran Umar Gul and recent addition in Pakistan Test side Mohammad Abbas are also part of the squad.
With such talented and skilful pacers, the Sultans are a dangerous bunch in this competition.
4. Local batting talents
With only one T20I 100 score for Pakistan, Ahmed Shahzad and Shan Masood, who is in a brilliant form in domestic ODIs, will surely enhace the Sultans’ capabilities.
In the Test arena, Masood is yet to prove himself, but considering his recent form (record breaking runs in List A season) he, alongside Shahzad will provide a solid start at the top.
From the emerging category, Saif Badar is a player with loads of talent. In the last U-19 World Cup, he was one of the top performers and also had a decent first class season this time. And as we all have seen in the past, new talent always surprises everyone and manages to win hearts.
5. Overall competitive advantage
The Sultans arguably have the strongest middle order batting line up; from Sangakkara, who will be playing an anchor role, to skipper Malik, who is in sublime form in UAE conditions.
Moreover, Pakistani axed batsman Sohaib Maqsood is in tremendous form in limited-overs cricket. He was at joint fifth position in National T20 Cup where all international heavy weights were participating.
Another thing that puts this team at an advantage from other franchises is the support staff of the team. Wasim Akram as their mentor and Tom Moody as head coach are a deadly duo. Akram has had a successful stint with Islamabad United in the first edition of PSL, while Moody was the coach of Rangur Riders in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Both of these legends have the experience to guide their team to glory.
The interesting fact about this team, which is also a bonus point, is that the Sultans have players that actually belong to the Multan region. Maqsood, Irfan and Kashif Bhatti (left arm spinner) are all Multan’s pride and this is something that is not usually seen in other franchises.
The Multan Sultans may be a new team but they have players that are experienced and excel at what they do. We can only hope that the team performs well as a single unit; after all, cricket is all about team work. They have all the right ingredients necessary to give other teams a hard time, win the games and ultimately, clinch the title in Karachi.
All photos: Multan Sultans
0 CommentsPrintEmail
on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook
Abdul Basit Sayeed
The writer is an aspiring chartered accountant. He is a keen and passionate cricket fan and currently lives in Karachi. He tweets @sportingpak (twitter.com/sportingpak)
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.
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Good luck for all teams. Happy series.
ghazi52
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