The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 has kicked off with a bang, and some of the top batsmen are already making significant contributions for their respective teams, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament. In the early matches, seven players announced their presence with impressive half-centuries, making a strong statement from the outset.
The season opener featured Lahore Qalandars facing off against the previous edition’s runners-up, Multan Sultans, in a thrilling encounter that saw the defending champions narrowly clinch victory by just one run. Fakhar Zaman, the Qalandars’ opener, who had been the top run-scorer in the 2022 season with 588 runs in 13 matches, continued his fine form. He played a brilliant innings of 66 runs off 42 balls, propelling his team to a challenging total of 175/6. Zaman’s stellar knock also saw him become only the second player in PSL history to cross the 2000-run mark.
In response, Multan Sultans’ captain, Mohammad Rizwan, played a fiery innings, scoring 75 runs off 50 balls, but it ultimately proved insufficient as his team fell agonizingly short by just one run.
The second fixture of the season was another thrilling contest, with Peshawar Zalmi edging out Karachi Kings by a mere two runs. PSL’s all-time leading run-scorer, Babar Azam, along with Tom Kohler-Cadmore, both notched up half-centuries to power Peshawar Zalmi to a formidable total of 199/5. Despite valiant efforts from Shoaib Malik (52 off 34) and Imad Wasim (80 off 47) that brought Karachi Kings close to a remarkable victory, the Zalmi bowlers held their nerve and secured the win.
Meanwhile, Multan Sultans’ batter Rilee Rossouw, known for his consistency in T20 leagues worldwide, showcased his skills with a fantastic fifty against Quetta Gladiators on February 15. This performance helped Multan Sultans secure their first points in the PSL 2023 standings.
Among the local talents to keep an eye on are Shan Masood and Mirza Baig. Shan Masood, with over 50 international matches for Pakistan under his belt, brings experience to the table, while the young and promising Mirza Baig is eager to impress selectors with a series of valuable contributions.
In terms of the top run-scorers in the Pakistan Super League 2023, Mohammad Rizwan from Multan Sultans leads the chart with 516 runs in 11 matches, followed closely by Babar Azam from Peshawar Zalmi, who has accumulated 416 runs in 9 matches. Imad Wasim of Karachi Kings is also among the top run-scorers with 404 runs in 10 matches.
As the PSL 2023 comes to an end, cricket enthusiasts can expect more thrilling performances and intense battles on the field. Fans can stay updated with all the latest developments by following Baji for updates on PSL 2024 and other popular cricket leagues, providing free live streams, bonuses, and predictions, ensuring that the cricketing excitement can be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s own home.
