As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) enters its third week, Islamabad United sit comfortably at the top, while Multan Sultans teeter on the brink of elimination. The broader issues troubling Pakistan cricket — especially batting strike rates and bowling inconsistency — remain evident in this tenth edition of the league.
Pakistan’s international decline has been mirrored in the PSL. Star batter Babar Azam has scored just 117 runs at a strike rate of 117 — reflecting the overall sluggishness of local batting talent. Once feared, Pakistan’s bowling has also lost its edge.
National spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have looked rusty, while emerging pacers Akif Javed, Mohammad Hasnain, and Abbas Afridi have fallen short of international standards.
In the first 17 matches, just nine scores of 200 or more have been recorded. Karachi’s slow, unresponsive pitches offered little excitement and contributed to sparse crowds. While venues like Rawalpindi, Multan, and Lahore attracted better attendance, the searing heat—particularly the 40°C temperatures in Multan—made it tough on fans.
United March Ahead
Defending champions Islamabad United lead the six-team table with five wins in as many matches and an imposing net run rate of 2.34. Their draft strategy has paid dividends, producing a well-balanced squad that consistently delivers.
Jason Holder has been a standout, claiming 12 wickets in five matches and contributing with the bat. Opener Sahibzada Farhan has led from the front with 236 runs at a strike rate of 157, including a century. His aggressive form comes after a stellar domestic T20 season and deserves consideration for the national side ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Skipper Shadab Khan has also rediscovered his rhythm, taking nine wickets and showing renewed confidence with both bat and ball.
Lahore in the Mix, But Questions Remain
Lahore Qalandars sit second with three wins and three defeats. Their pace attack—featuring Shaheen and Haris—is elite on paper, but the results have been mixed. Zaman Khan has struggled with fitness and form. Fakhar Zaman, though among the top five scorers with 212 runs, has not quite found his explosive best. The same applies to Abdullah Shafique, who failed to make an impact in a key match against Multan.
Instead, Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza have delivered the goods with match-winning performances.
Gladiators and Kings Blow Hot and Cold
Quetta Gladiators are third, rebounding from back-to-back losses with consecutive wins. Veteran Mohammad Amir, despite retiring internationally, continues to impress with the ball. Saud Shakeel and spinner Abrar Ahmed have added quality.
Karachi Kings remain inconsistent. Their opening win over Multan — chasing 235 — was followed by a frustrating loss to Quetta. Skipper David Warner voiced his disappointment: “I don’t mind losing if you’re fighting, but handing the opposition the game is just not acceptable.”
On a positive note, pacer Hasan Ali has made a strong comeback, leading the bowling charts with 13 wickets and showing glimpses of his former self.
Zalmi Underwhelming, Babar Under Scrutiny
Peshawar Zalmi find themselves in fifth place with just two wins from six games. Babar Azam’s dual role as captain and lead batter has been underwhelming. His cautious batting and questionable leadership—particularly handing an untested Hussain Talat the final over against Karachi — have cost Zalmi dearly.
The team, ever-present in past play-offs, now face an uphill battle to qualify. Mohammad Haris and overseas recruit Tom Kohler-Cadmore have failed to fire. While Luke Wood has impressed, spinners Arif Yaqoob and Sufiyan Muqeem have been underused.
Multan’s Slide Continues
Multan Sultans, the most consistent team in recent PSL editions, are faltering. With just one win from six games, they are in serious danger of missing out. Their overseas bowlers—David Willey and Chris Jordan—have been ineffective, while the local bowling unit, including Usama Mir, has disappointed. Mir, last year’s top wicket-taker, has looked far from his best.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s approach—slow starts followed by late acceleration—hasn’t helped. His 48-ball 78 against Lahore came too late, leaving his team 20 runs short.
Bright Sparks in a Dim Season
Despite the lack of standout batters, two young bowlers have caught the eye: Peshawar's Ali Raza and Multan’s Ubaid Shah. Both played in last year’s Under-19 World Cup and have shown real promise this season.
As week three unfolds, Islamabad look set to seal a play-off spot and potentially defend their title. For Multan and Peshawar, the road ahead is steep, and only a flawless run can keep their hopes alive.
