LPL: How Pakistani cricketers performed?

BY KAUKAB AZHAR 

Malik’s all-round performance in the final led Jaffna Stallions to lift the inaugural Lanka Premier League (LPL)’s trophy. Seven Pakistani players participated in the tournament, here’s a look at how they all performed.

Shoaib Malik: (7/10)

Featured in all the games for Jaffna Stallions, saved the best for the final in which he was awarded the man of the match. Overall his performance in the tournament was not up to the high standards Malik has set for himself. Malik scored only one fifty and picked two wickets in ten games. (Runs: 203, Average: 25.37, Strike Rate: 120.83)

Usman Shinwari: (6/10)

The stage was set for Shinwari to claima comeback in the national squad after missing out on the NZ tour. Although he did not do too bad with the bowl but he was expensive and failed to deliver consistent performances for the victorious, Jaffna Stallions. Shinwari picked up 9 wickets in 7 games at an economy rate of 7.52. (Wickets: 9, Average: 17.55, Economy Rate: 7.52)

Shahid Afridi: (N/A)

Lit up the tournament with a fifty in the first game for Galle Gladiators. Failed to pick up a single wicket in three games. Unfortunately, he had to travel back to Pakistan for personal reasons.

Ahsan Ali: (4/10)

Lethargic in the field and struggled with the bat. The performances raised more questions on how was he picked for the national team, only a year back.  (Runs: 117, Average: 19.5, Strike Rate: 121.87

Amir: (6/10)

Exceptional in two games and woeful in the other 8 games. Contrary to the popular belief, Amir had quite an average tournament except for the two games where he picked up 7 wickets. In the remaining eight matches he was able to pick only 4 wickets at an average of 64.25 and economy of 8.56, bowling without any line or direction. (Wickets: 11, Average: 26.56, Economy Rate: 7.73)

Azam Khan: (8/10)

Leaving aside his wicket-keeping skills, Azam made a strong entry to the international franchise-cricket. His game is suited to the T20 format, and with his “network” in the cricketing world, he could play franchise cricket all over the world. Despite all the nepotism allegations, Azam seems focused on improving his game.  (Runs: 215, Average: 30.71, Strike Rate: 186.95)

Anwar Ali: (6/10)

Not so long ago, Anwar Ali pronounced himself as the best fielder in Pakistan. His fielding performances in LPL suggest that he was right. There is a spot for bowling allrounder in the national side which is vacant and Anwar Ali can fill that role only if he can improve his bowling. Although he picked 9 wickets in 7 games, an economy rate of 11.02 reflects why he is not under consideration in the national squad. (Wickets: 9, Average: 25.11, Economy Rate: 11.01)

Read: Malik powers Jaffna Stallions to lift LPL title