PSL 2018: Best player in each team for this edition

It’d be fair to say that the 2018 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was by far the most entertaining edition of all the three seasons. Some action-packed drama, nerve-wrecking last ball finishes and quite a few super overs as well, this PSL had a fair share of everything. The Peshawar Zalmi almost pulled off a breathtaking comeback in the final, but it was Islamabad United who romped away with the title.

The likes of Luke Ronchi, Kamran Akmal, Babar Azam, Colin Ingram have thoroughly entertained the crowds in Dubai, Sharjah, Lahore, and Karachi. There were many doubts being raised over the success of this tournament, but not many would question the same after the way this season has progressed. The low attendances in Dubai and Sharjah are probably the only drawbacks this season.

As we bid adieu to the third edition of the Pakistan Super League, let’s take a look at the best player in each team.

1. Islamabad United – Luke Ronchi

Beginning with the defending champions Islamabad United, there was never going to be any doubt as to who was going to be their best player. Luke Ronchi displayed an outstanding exhibition of strokeplay and left people wondering why did he ever retire?  The New Zealander stroked two blazing half-centuries in the knockout games, playing a crucial role at the business end.

Ronchi finished as the highest run-getter this edition with 435 runs to his account. Faheem Ashraf came very close to cutting into this list, but it had to be Ronchi for the knocks he played at crucial junctures. Islamabad United was the stand out unit this season and Ronchi’s contribution in that was pivotal.

2. Peshawar Zalmi – Kamran Akmal

Another wicket-keeper batsman who finished as the best player in their side is Kamran Akmal. The senior pro was in full flow this tournament, registering some mind-boggling cameos and fifties. He was also the only player this edition to have registered a century. He also smashed the fastest fifty in PSL history this season, getting there in just 17 balls.

Akmal came agonizingly close to snatching the highest run-getters prize, but he was narrowly beaten by Ronchi. Akmal clobbered 425 runs in 13 games at an average of 38.64. Apart from the century he also registered 4 half-centuries this season. If this doesn’t earn him a place in the Pakistani T20 set up, one has to wonder what will.

3. Karachi Kings – Usman Khan

Many would tout Babar Azam to be Karachi’s best player this season, but that’s a debatable choice. We are going with Usman Khan as their side’s top performer for the 2018 edition for the number of times he delivered for the side on crucial occasions. The 23-year-old left-arm bowler bowled with serious pace and was a nightmare for the batters on occasions.

It was a season worth remembering for eternity for this youngster. Although the Karachi Kings had all the chances in the world to enter the finals, they spilled them big time. But that doesn’t take away a fact that this lad was brilliant. He picked up 16 wickets in the tournament in just 9 matches and recorded a scintillating average of 16.12.

4. Quetta Gladiators – Shane Watson

One of the most revered and trusted all-rounders in the shortest format, Shane Watson is a name that needs no introduction. The Australian swashbuckling cricketer was in serious form this tournament, playing some outstanding knocks. The 36-year-old had retired from the gentleman’s game a couple of years ago, but he still has a lot to offer.

He opened for the Quetta and more often than not, he gave them a bright start. With 319 runs in just 10 matches, Watson finished fifth on the list of most run-getters. He also returned with 11 wickets this season, a testament to his incredible ability to contribute profusely in every department. Watson was quite an important cog in the Gladiators lineup.

5. Multan Sultans – Shoaib Malik

One of the sad stories of this season was the catastrophic downfall of the Multan Sultans after a breathtaking start. Completely out of the blue, they lost form and eventually, finished fifth on the points table. But whilst they were going berserk in the initial stages, skipper Shoaib Malik was right there leading the side from the front.

This was the Sultans’ first appearance in the PSL and Malik was probably the best choice to lead the side. He did a fabulous job with the bat and ball, registering an impressive 224 runs in 9 matches. Once his side’s form dipped, they failed to recuperate and eventually succumbed. But it will be very harsh to ignore the veteran cricketer’s incredible contribution to the side.

6. Lahore Qalandars – Fakhar Zaman

It has been three long seasons now and still, the Lahore Qalandars are unable to break into the top four. They had a horrendous start to the season and eventually, they finished 6th. A lot of blame goes to their middle order, who failed to capitalize on incredible starts given by Fakhar Zaman on numerous occasions this season.

The 27-year-old southpaw was excellent for the Qalandars, forming a brilliant opening partnership with skipper Brendon McCullum. He clobbered 277 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 147.34 in 10 matches but failed to help his side reap good results. As far as Zaman is concerned, this would certainly be a stepping stone for greater things to come.