In the ever-evolving landscape of cricket, milestones serve as pivotal markers of a player’s journey, encapsulating their dedication, skill, and resilience. As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) progresses through its 2024 season, the spotlight now turns to Shaheen Shah Afridi, the frontline pacer for Lahore Qalandars, as he inches closer to a historic achievement – joining the elite club of players with 100 or more wickets in PSL.
With 98 wickets to his name, Shaheen finds himself on the cusp of greatness. However, his quest for this milestone comes amidst a challenging season for Lahore Qalandars, who have faced setbacks in the form of six consecutive losses in the round-robin stage. Just like the team’s struggles, Shaheen has also been struggling this seasin with only nine wickets in six games. His journey to 100 wickets has become more arduous.
As Lahore Qalandars gear up for their remaining four games in the PSL 2024 round-robin stage, all eyes are on Shaheen Shah Afridi. Should he manage to claim two more wickets in these upcoming matches, he will etch his name into the annals of PSL history, joining the esteemed ranks of players with 100 or more wickets.
Meanwhile, in a captivating clash between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, another chapter of PSL history unfolded. Hasan Ali, who was traded to Karachi ahead of the 2024 season, became only the second player to reach the 100-wicket mark in the league’s history. Despite conceding 42 runs for just one wicket in the match, Hasan’s achievement underscores his significance in the league, following in the footsteps of Wahab Riaz.
Speaking of Wahab Riaz, the former Peshawar Zalmi bowler, who amassed an impressive tally of 113 wickets, holds a significant place in PSL folklore. However, Wahab has since transitioned to a different role, serving as the chief selector of the national cricket team and bidding adieu to his playing days.
Reflecting on the recent Karachi Kings versus Islamabad United encounter, Karachi’s victory over Islamabad four years ago adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Despite Islamabad’s triumph in the latest fixture, Karachi’s historical dominance over their rivals adds spice to their rivalry.
As Shaheen Shah Afridi braces himself for the challenges ahead, the top five players with the most wickets in PSL history serve as a reminder of the league’s rich tapestry of talent:
- Wahab Riaz (Peshawar Zalmi) – 113 wickets
- Hasan Ali (Islamabad United/Karachi Kings/Peshawar Zalmi) – 100 wickets
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – 98 wickets
- Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) – 83 wickets
- Faheem Ashraf (Islamabad United) – 72 wickets
Also, see:
Reasons behind Lahore Qalandars’ poor performance during PSL 2024