- Reasons Why Karachi Kings is the Least-Loved PSL Franchise - March 21, 2023
- Three Possible Contenders for Captaining Women in Green after Spot Left by Bismah Maroof - March 5, 2023
- Of Centuries, Records, and still no Trophy, Journey of Pakistan Women’s Cricket team in T20 World Cup 2023 - February 27, 2023
The country’s biggest sporting event, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), is just around the corner with its eighth edition, and the hype is getting louder and louder. All franchises are gearing up for the mega event and all last-minute preparations are being done. For the Peshawar Zalmi (PZ), the PZ squad 2023 looks good and this edition of the league is going to be super special.
Related to PSL: Emerging players to watch out for in this PSL
PZ Squad 2023: Team Preview
The matches of the previous session of the league were divided between Karachi and Lahore. For Peshawar Zalmi, the Karachi leg did not go too well. They bagged two victories in five matches that steered them close to elimination. The Lahore chapter, however, provided them with much relief and enough luck that they were able to consolidate a spot in the playoffs.
When it comes to playoffs, team yellow is one of the most fortunate yet very unfortunate franchises of the PSL. They are the only franchise to have qualified for the last stage five times but somehow always run out of luck and get themselves eliminated with the exception of just once. Last year was no different. Wahab Riaz and his men could not cross the line in a nail-biter that went in Islamabad United’s favour on the third ball of the last over.
What to expect from Team Zalmi
The PZ squad 2023 looks powerful for PSL 8. Darren Sammy, the heart of the team is back in the franchise, this time as the head coach. But what makes the team grand this year is that Babar Azam, the skipper, and pride of the national team will be seen donning the yellow jersey this season. He was successfully traded from Karachi Kings, a thing the Kings’ fans thought would never happen and he will be captaining the side.
With Babar Azam has come a plethora of new fans and followers of the franchise and with all these fans the expectations have increased many folds. The management has worked more on the batting line-up as it’s where they lacked last year. All eyes will be on the team this season. Let’s take a look at what strengths Zalmi has in store for the latest tournament. Watch out for them
Batting Strengths
Babar Azam
Babar Azam is Peshawar Zalmi’s most-priced possession for session 2023. He averages 42.33 in the super league and is the highest run scorer with 2413 runs in 66 matches. New franchise, same class, the 29-year-old will be a force to reckon with.
Muhammad Haris
In Muhammad Haris, Pakistan has found a batting talent that was much needed. In the recently held exhibition match against Quetta Gladiators, Haris opened alongside Babar and put up a brilliant performance with the bat. The right-handed batter opening the batting with the skipper in PSL would be a deadly combination and won’t be easy to deal with.
Sherfane Rutherford
Caribbean explosive Sherfane Rutherford is also part of the powerful batting line-up of PZ squad 2023. He carries with him, immense expertise in franchise cricket, and his batting masterclass was recently seen in the International League T20. Once he gets going, it’s difficult to stop him, and that is what makes him an important component in Zalmi’s middle order.
Saim Ayub
Watch out for this 20-year-old emerging cricketer because he has some shots to play. Saim Ayub is a young top-order batter that can offer so much with the bat. He has an average strike rate of 139.50 and will be a critical part of the Zalmi squad this season.
All-rounders
Jimmy Neesham
New Zealand’s all-rounder Jimmy Neesham will be making his PSL debut and that too with Peshawar Zalmi. The left-hander has a myriad of experience in T20I and has played in a plethora of short-format leagues across the world. His experience will play a key role in consolidating both innings in this tournament.
Rovman Powell
Caribbean giant Rovamn Powell has been added to the PZ squad 2023. The middle-order all-rounder has amassed 890 runs in 46 innings which speaks volumes of his power-hitting capabilities. Unfortunately, the batter will not be available to the yellow shirts for the entire season and so the franchise will have to make some tough decisions.
Bowling Strengths
Mujeeb-ur-Rehman
Afghanistan’s ace spinner, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman also made it to the Zalmi squad. The youngster has gathered 49 wickets in 30 innings and carries an economy of 6.22. Mujeeb also has a plethora of experience in T20. He’s played in IPL, BBL CPL, and other leagues and will be an important ingredient in the bowling line-up among Babar’s men.
Wahab Riaz
Fast bowling specialist will be leading the pace attack for Zalmi for the eighth season now. The 37-year-old currently sits at the top of the table with the most wickets in PSL, having collected 103 scalps in 76 innings. The ex-skipper helped Zalmi qualify for the playoffs when he bowled a special over in the super over restricting boundaries and even taking a wicket.
Richard Gleeson
English pacer Richard Gleeson has been drafted as a partial replacement for Rovman Powell. Even though he won’t have many games to play, it will be interesting to have him on the yellow storm’s side, especially after his brilliant performance in the International League T20.
Usman Qadir
Spin specialist Usman Qadir will be at the forefront of the spin attack. Qadir proved himself in the previous edition and took critical wickets providing many breakthroughs to his team.
Also Read:
