As the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024) season unfolds, all eyes are on Shaheen Shah Afridi, the pace sensation and captain of Lahore Qalandars, as he inches closer to a significant milestone: the coveted 100-wicket mark in PSL history. With nine wickets to his name from six innings this season, Shaheen finds himself on the brink of joining an elite club of players who have achieved this remarkable feat.
However, despite Shaheen’s individual prowess, Lahore Qalandars’ form has been on a downward spiral, having lost all six of their matches so far in the tournament. The team’s bowling unit, including Shaheen himself, has struggled to make an impact, with the frontline pacer maintaining an average of 22.22. Zaman Khan, the next leading wicket-taker for Qalandars, has managed only six wickets in as many appearances.
Shaheen currently stands at 98 PSL wickets, tantalisingly close to the elusive 100-wicket mark. With four more games left in the round-robin stage, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Shaheen can clinch two more wickets to cement his place in PSL history.
Players with 100-wicket mark in PSL
The race to 100 PSL wickets has seen notable players making their mark. Wahab Riaz was the first to achieve this milestone, followed by Hasan Ali, who accomplished the feat while playing for Karachi Kings this season. Hasan reached the milestone during the Kings’ fourth match against Islamabad United, despite managing just one wicket for 42 runs in that game.
As of now, there are only two players in the exclusive club of 100 or more PSL wickets, but the Qalandars skipper is poised to join their ranks this season. Meanwhile, Islamabad United’s skipper Shadab Khan, with 83 wickets to his name, may have to wait another season to touch the coveted 100-wicket mark.
The upcoming match against Peshawar Zalmi on 2nd March holds immense significance for Shaheen and Lahore Qalandars. It presents a crucial opportunity for Shaheen to inch closer to the 100-wicket milestone and for Qalandars to turn their fortunes around in the tournament. All eyes will be on him as he looks to etch his name in PSL history and lead his team to victory in the remainder of the season.
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