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March 19, 2024
Islamabad United clinched their third PSL championship.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
In the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), they showcased outstanding performances from start to finish. The tournament ended with Islamabad United securing a victory against the Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
This marks Islamabad United’s third PSL championship, whereas the Multan Sultans faced their third consecutive defeat in the finals. Several standout players delivered exceptional performances throughout the tournament and brought vibrancy to the event.
Here is the Best XI, a lineup featuring players who significantly impacted their teams and set new records.
Saim Ayub of Peshawar Zalmi was exceptional throughout PSL 9, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball. His rise as a prominent off-spinner, becoming Babar Azam’s key asset, surprised many.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
At just 21 years old, Ayub amassed 345 runs in 11 innings, boasting an impressive strike rate 157.53. The left-handed batsman hit 21 sixes, the highest in this year’s tournament.
Additionally, he claimed eight wickets with an economy rate of 7.45.
As the captain of Zalmi, Babar Azam showcased his exceptional batting prowess, performing at his best with a noticeably improved strike rate.
Azam demonstrated his batting mastery across 11 matches, amassing 569 runs. A standout moment was his unbeaten 111 against United in Lahore, marking the highlight of the first leg.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
With a remarkable average of 56.9, Azam established himself as a dominant force throughout the tournament. His strike rate of 142.6 underscored his ability to score runs and accelerate when necessary consistently.
Furthermore, he became the second player to set the record for the most runs in a single PSL season, surpassing his record of 554 runs from the 2021 edition.
After joining the Multan Sultans’ lineup as an overseas player after four matches, Usman Khan quickly made his mark with a flurry of runs.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
In just seven innings, he amassed a remarkable 430 runs at an average of 107.5, firmly establishing himself as a top performer in the league. Khan scored two half-centuries and multiple centuries, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 164.12.
The Lahore Qalandars endured a challenging PSL 9, securing only one victory throughout the tournament. Nonetheless, South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen made a notable impact with his dynamic batting.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
Despite being limited to seven innings during his stint with the Qalandars due to national duties, the 35-year-old showcased exceptional consistency and prowess. He accumulated 364 runs at a striking average of 72.8 and a formidable strike rate of 154.89.
Among his standout performances, van der Dussen achieved a notable century, scoring an unbeaten 104 against Peshawar Zalmi in Lahore.
Another South African talent, Reeza Hendricks, secured a spot in the Best XI with his impressive performances early in the tournament.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
As a critical anchor for the 2021 champions, the right-handed batsman played a crucial role, amassing 304 runs at a strike rate of 134.51 across eight innings. Three half-centuries highlighted his contribution, underscoring his significant impact.
As the captain of the PSL 9 champions, Shadab Khan delivered a stellar all-round performance throughout the tournament. Leading from the front, he excelled in every aspect of the game, using his aggressive strategy to gain the upper hand over opponents.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
Khan played a vital role as a top-order batsman and a crucial wicket-taker. He accumulated 305 runs at an average of 43.42 and claimed 14 wickets, showcasing his impact in batting and bowling.
Iftikhar Ahmed lived up to his ‘Ifti Mania’ reputation with explosive batting for the Sultans. The 33-year-old stood out for his distinctive flair and powerful stroke play.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
Across 11 innings, the right-handed batsman boasted an impressive strike rate of 193.28, accumulating 259 runs and blasting 17 sixes—the second-highest in the tournament.
In his debut season with United, Imad Wasim started slowly but found his stride as the tournament progressed. With his team needing a playoff berth, he played a crucial role, scoring two boundaries in the final moments of a critical game to secure victory.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
Wasim excelled with both bat and ball, delivering 3/12 in Eliminator 1 and then contributing a decisive 59 off 40 balls in Eliminator 2 while chasing.
In the final, he made history by taking 5/23, becoming the first bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in a PSL final. With 12 wickets at an economy rate of 6.60 and 126 runs, the 35-year-old was instrumental in leading United to their championship triumph.
David Willey, the experienced overseas recruit for the Sultans, demonstrated exceptional effectiveness with the new ball. The English pacer was a crucial asset to his team throughout the tournament. Throughout 11 matches, he secured 14 wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate 7.60.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
Returning from a shoulder injury, Naseem Shah was a relentless force. As the spearhead of United’s bowling attack, he took 15 wickets across 11 innings.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
In addition to his bowling exploits, Shah made valuable contributions with the bat, notably in the final, where he scored 17 off nine balls, including two boundaries and a six.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir concluded the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, securing 24 dismissals and setting a record as the first spinner to achieve such a feat in a single PSL season.
Credit to Pakistan Super League Image Gallery
Mir played a crucial role for captain Mohammad Rizwan, delivering key breakthroughs at critical moments throughout the games.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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