The Cricketer compiles the best 11 players from the five completed editions of the Pakistan Super League...
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Very simply the best batsman to ever grace the PSL. Soon to become the highest run-scorer in the competition's history, Babar has an eye-watering 14 half-centuries in the competition. Has been among the top three-run scorers in three of the five editions. A minor part of the Islamabad United side which won the inaugural tournament, but played his most influential role yet to guide Karachi Kings to success in 2020, a run which included his highest score of 78 against Peshawar Zalmi.
The sixth edition of the PSL won't feel right without the Australian smashing the ball to all parts. Watson has been there virtually since day one and he didn't relent until his retirement. Watson's vintage years came in 2018 and then 2019 (when he was the highest run-scorer and helped lead Quetta Gladiators to the title). He also chipped in with 23 wickets along the way, though his influence as an allrounder waned as the years took their toll. Signed off with a vintage 80 from 41 balls against Multan Sultans, to provide a reminder of what had gone before.
The New Zealander has only played in three editions of the PSL yet could already be considered as the best overseas player to grace it. Only Babar has a higher average from more than 20 PSL matches and indeed he sits only behind the Pakistan skipper in many respects.
Rocked up to the 2018 tournament and completely dominated with the bat, scoring the second-most runs in a single edition including a player of the match fifty in the final to take United over the line. Has cruelly been denied a century on more than one occasion, most notably against Kings when his 94* rounded off a quick-fire chase.
Shane Watson made as big an impact as any overseas player
One of the most dominant figures in PSL history. The only player with multiple centuries and with five of the 22 highest scores in the competition. A three-time finalist, he took Zalmi to the title in 2017 - after a remarkable hundred in Eliminator 2 - before they narrowly fell short during the next two seasons. A regular at the top of the run-scoring charts, having occupied the two top three times making him the all-time highest run-scorer at the time of writing. Even a quiet tournament in 2020 led to 251 runs and a third three-figure score.
An unerringly consistent operator and one of only eight players to have reached 1,000 tournament runs. Shoaib has scored more than 200 runs in four of the five years and averaged above 30 in three. Only a trio of players have captained more PSL matches than him, but despite his best attempts he is yet to achieve a tournament victory. Last season's 278 runs, the most for Zalmi, suggests that even in his 40th year there is life in the old dog yet.
Will turn 41 during the sixth PSL and yet there is no feeling that will be close to Afridi's last outing. A century which has included Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Babar, and yet none of them touch Afridi for his personality and reputation. A legend of the tournament, with the seventh-highest batting strike-rate and second-best economy rate.
His 462 runs and 42 wickets in 46 matches only tell half the story, with the anticipation every time he steps onto the field the same now as it was when he was at his pomp. Rarely leaves the field without making a major impact, good or bad and remains an infectious performer. Part of two squads to reach the final, but injury prevented him from appearing on both occasions.
Wahab Riaz is the PSL's leading wicket-taker
The most brutal batsman in PSL history with his 650 runs having come at an awesome strike-rate of 166.24. Pollard has this unique ability of batting to the highest level at the toughest stage of an innings, regularly sending the ball to all parts. That skill was never better exhibited than in 2017 when he mashed 45 from 20 deliveries including a six off the final ball to keep Kings' playoff ambitions alive. A winner of 15 T20 titles but is still awaiting his first winner's medal in the PSL.
There is a strong argument that Faheem has been the best bowler in the competition since he graced it for the first time in 2018. His 6-19 in 2019 against Qalandars are the second-best figures in PSL history, he has racked up 46 poles in 31 matches and has the best average of any bowler to have played more than 17 times. He has also proven himself to be effective with the bat, with his runs coming at 142.85. Inspired United to the title in his maiden campaign three years ago and showing few signs of relenting. A man for all formats for Pakistan, too.
In the space of seven days in February 2019, Hasan Ali went from solid PSL performer to one of the best in the competition's history. Against Lahore Qalandars, Kings and Sultans he claimed three four-wicket hauls, giving him the most of anyone to bowl a delivery in this showcase.
The second-highest wicket-taker of all time, a winner in 2017 and with a fine economy rate of 7.47, they don't come much better than the right-arm quick who is now enjoying a second coming with Pakistan. His 25 wickets in 2019 are the most taken in a single campaign. After five years with Zalmi, he heads to United.
Faheem Ashraf has been in stellar form since 2018
Edges out Mohammad Amir thanks to having a five-for, a hat-trick and two tournament victories across his five tournament appearances. An ever-present at United, Sami has the ability to thrill and flatter to deceive in equal measure. But at his very best he is electric and quick. Each of his 42 scalps have come at just over 20 apiece, alongside a barely-believable 6.88 economy rate. A proven match-winner on his day.
You're doing something seriously wrong if you're not celebrating the ground Wahab Riaz walks on. The highest PSL wicket-taker by a significant distance, having finished in the top three during a single campaign on four occasions. A sensational bowler to watch in full flight and one who takes responsibility in the middle overs. Not likely to collect hat-full of wickets - he doesn't have a single four-wicket haul - but a consistently brilliant performer.
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