Wisden’s PSL 2021 team of the tournament

Babar Azam (c)

554 runs @ 69.25, SR: 132.53, 50s: 7, HS: 90*

Babar Azam displayed his mettle in the tournament yet again, displaying why he can be counted as a modern day legend. He top-scored with 554 runs, and the fact that no other batsman could score more than five fifties in the tournament (he has seven) further displays his consistency. Azam will also lead this side.

Usman Khawaja

246 runs @ 49.20, SR: 152.79, 100s: 1, 50s: 1, HS: 105*

The Australian played the latter half of the tournament, and set the stage on fire with his blazing batting at the top of the order. He was pivotal in Islamabad’s run rill Eliminator 2, where he was unlucky to be out on one.

Hazratullah Zazai

212 runs @ 42.40, SR: 185.96, 50s: 3, HS: 77

No other player who scored at least 100 runs in the edition ended with a strike-rate of over 180, which is evidence of the kind of impact that Zazai had. The cricketer played a fine knock of 66 in the second Eliminator to take his team into the final.

Sohaib Maqsood

428 runs @ 47.55, SR: 156.77, 50s: 5, HS: 65*

The Man of the Match in the final, Maqsood often raised his game when his team was in trouble. He scored an unbeaten 65 off 35 deliveries in the summit clash, which allowed Multan to score 206-4.

Shoaib Malik

354 runs @ 35.40, SR: 149.36, 50s: 2, HS: 73

The veteran was the fourth highest run-scorer of the tournament. He top-scored with 48 off 28 deliveries in the final, but did not get much help from the other batters, as his side fell short. Malik can also be a part-time spin option.

Mohammad Rizwan

500 runs @ 45.45, SR: 127.87, 50s: 4, HS: 82*

Though Rizwan opened the innings in the PSL, he can slot in at six as well, just as easily. We have plenty of options for players who can be picked in the top order, thus, Rizwan bats at six. He will also be the keeper of our side.

James Faulkner

90 runs, SR: 169.81; 13 wickets @ 12, ER: 6.50

The all-rounder played some crucial cameos lower down the order, and was the tied fourth-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. He bowled tight line and lengths, and was one of the most economical bowlers in the latter half of the PSL.

Rashid Khan

75 runs, SR: 136.36; 11 wickets @ 15.90, ER: 5.46

Rashid Khan, unsurprisingly, makes the cut in the PSL 2021 Team of the Tournament. The Afghan spinner not only helped his team by bowling economical spells game-after-game, but won Lahore matches with his batting lower down the order as well.

Hasan Ali

76 runs, SR: 190; 13 wickets @ 20.69, ER: 6.75

Very little separates Faulkner and Hasan Ali, and we have gone ahead with both players in our team. Ali can hit the ball a long way in the death, and his economy rate of under seven despite bowling in the powerplay overs warrants an inclusion.

Shaheen Afridi

16 wickets @ 18.25, ER: 7.30, Best figures: 3-14

The talented bowler was one of the stars of the PSL with 16 wickets to his name. He troubled batsmen with his pace and movement, and did not shy away from attacking the most experienced batsmen with his bouncers (read Sarfaraz Ahmed!)

Shahnawaz Dahani

20 wickets @ 17, ER: 8.42, Best figures: 4-5

The highest wicket-taker of the PSL, Dahani was on the expensive side but raised his game in crucial moments. With a number of fast bowlers impressing, Dahani stood out from the crowd with his ability to constantly send down deliveries at over 140kmph.