The Pakistan Super League 2022 has thrown up a number of talented youngsters once more. Here are five of the top breakthrough stars from the tournament:

Ahsan Ali, Quetta Gladiators

250 runs @ 35.71, SR: 138.88, HS: 73

Ali started off the season in fine form, smashing 73, 57*, 24 and 50 in his first four innings. He, along with Jason Roy, stitched together important runs for the opening wicket throughout the edition, but their efforts went in vain, as the side failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with four wins in 10 games. Ali ended PSL 2022 as Quetta’s second-highest run-scorer, hitting three fifties – the most by any player from his side.

Zaman Khan, Lahore Qalandars

18 wickets @ 21.44, ER: 8.24, BBI: 4-16

The third-highest wicke-taker in the competition, Zaman played a major role in taking his side into the trophy. The 20-year-old has only played 18 T20 games in his career, picking up 24 wickets with best figures of 4-16 which came against Karachi Kings earlier in the campaign. Up against Babar Azam’s team, Zaman troubled batters with his pace and claimed the wickets of Joe Clarke, Rohail Nazir, Lewis Gregory and Usman Shinwari. He has shown plenty of promise and potential and could be a player to watch out for. He bowled with great maturity and composure in the final win over Multan.

Salman Irshad, Peshawar Zalmi

15 wickets @ 17.60, ER: 8.25, BBI: 3-29

Another quick who stole headlines with his Malinga-esque action and his impressive skill of bowling pinpoint yorkers. Irshad’s standout spell was in Peshawar’s last match, against Islamabad United, where he got two quick wickets in two overs with excellent yorkers to get his team back into the game.

Abdullah Shafique, Lahore Qalandars

251 runs @ 22.81, SR: 128.06, HS: 52

Shafique might have been slightly inconsistent, but he played an important knock in Eliminator 2 against Islamabad United. After the team fell to 7-2, Shafique started off cautiously before taking the attack to the opposition. He ended with a quick 28-ball 52, in an innings that was laced with three sixes and four fours. No other player from the side could make more than 30 runs in the game, and his knock helped Qalandars post a match-winning 168-7 on the board.

Mohammad Haris, Peshawar Zalmi

166 runs @ 33.20, SR: 186.51, HS: 70

One of the finds of the competition. Haris batted with serious intent whenever he was at the crease and finishes the tournament with an extremely impressive strike rate of 186.51. His standout performance was a 32-ball 70 against Islamabad United towards the backend of the league phase of the competition. At 20, he is a prospect worth watching closely in the years to come.