Youngsters to watch out for as PSL 6 resumes in Abu Dhabi

Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6’s stage is all set to resume in Abu Dhabi today with Islamabad United locking horns with Lahore Qalandars in 15th match which was postponed in Karachi leg due to COVID-19 outbreak in the bio-secure bubble.

After a lot of twists and turns, finally, the league will be completed and fans can’t wait to see cricket action rolls in at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The sweltering Abu Dhabi weather, competitive contests, and star performances will be the few things cricket fans will get to see in the next 16 days.

PSL has always unearthed young talented cricketers who made their way to impress cricket pundits and play for the national team. A lot of names come to mind when we talk about PSL talent, the same is expected in upcoming PSL matches.

Here we highlight youngsters to look out for in PSL 6 remainder: 

Azam Khan – Quetta Gladiators

One of the most discussed Pakistani power-hitters currently, Azam Khan will be a hot watch in the remaining PSL 6 matches. The right-handed batsman has all the power to hit the ball across the park.

The 22-years-old son of former Test captain Moin Khan will try his level best to impress the tv crowd as he has now been selected in the national T20I team for England tour.

Haider Ali – Peshawar Zalmi

Haider Ali’s PSL strike rate of 162.72 is impressive though his runs aren’t enough to set him a solid future prospect. He scored 358 runs at an average of 27.53 and most of the times he lost his wicket off reckless shots.

A lot of factors involved in his latest performance with the national team as he scored just 256 in 15 T20Is at an average of 19.69, but a lot of people think that a continuous change of his batting number disturbed the youngster.

However, the remaining PSL 6 matches are too important for the youngsters as he had been named in the national squad for England tour right after the completion of this league. His performance would be a real booster for him ahead of a tough tour.

Shahnawaz Dahani – Multan Sultans

Dahani engaged PSL fans with not only his bowling but a funny call ringing celebration style with teammate Carlos Brathwaite. The youngster remained the centre of attraction from Multan Sultans and his lively performance and attitude, earned him a place in the Pakistan Test squad for the Zimbabwe tour in April.

22-years-old bowler hailed from Larkana firstly showcased his skills in the last First-Class season while representing the Sindh region. He was promoted from the second XI to First XI and didn’t look back. He took 27 wickets in eight contests at an average of 33.70.

Dahani will surely miss his celebration partner Brathwaite in the remaining PSL but the fans expect a lot of call ringing wicket-taking celebrations from him.

Akif Javed – Islamabad United

Karak-born Akif Javed impressed the PSL audience with his bowling and bowling action. The left-arm pacer’s action was compared to the great Wasim Akram. But, a long way to go for the youngster.

He played 5 matches in PSL 5 and bagged four wickets. The young bowler is one of the exciting talents to look forward to in upcoming PSL 6 matches.

Qasim Akram – Karachi Kings: 

18-years-old Qasim Akram was highly praised by Wasim Akram for his all-around ability in a recent interview. After the compliments from a high-up, it looks like the youngster will get a chance to make his PSL debut as Mohammad Nabi missed out in the remaining matches.

Qasim was recently appointed as U19 captain for the Bangladesh tour, unfortunately, the tour called off due to the COVID-19 surge. In 2020, he made his First-Class debut from Central Punjab (CP). The right-handed batsman scored 389 runs at an average of 35.36 and took 13 wickets with his right arm off-break to impress the cricket fraternity.

In Abu Dhabi’s condition where due factor plays an important role, Qasim can be handy with his off-break bowling for Karachi Kings.

Zeeshan Ashraf – Lahore Qalandars

Zeeshan Ashraf remained unlucky while representing Multan Sultans in the last PSL season but his domestic performance often proved him a match-winner. He was picked last time on the basis of his second XI performance for Southern Punjab in T20 Cup 2019.

But, this year, Lahore Qalandars made the most of an opportunity to pick him in the silver category. He didn’t get a chance in Karachi leg of PSL 6 but most likely he will get chance this time around as Qalandars’ regular wicket-keeper batsman Ben Dunk got hit by the ball on his lips during training and had seven stitches.