In the fifth version of the Pakistan Super League, several Australian and players from other countries joined the league teams to boost the local cricket in the country.
The Australian players included Shane Watson, Ben Dunk, Chris Lynn and Ben Cutting.
Although many cricket lovers know about Shane Watson’s cricket performance both internationally and against Pakistan, not many know about the other players.
We take a quick look at these players and how they made a name in the Pakistan Super League.
Highlights
- Ben Dunk, Chris Lynn and Shane Watson PSL performances
- What Australian cricketers think of PSL
- Breaking the Barrier - Pakistan succeeds in holding all matches at home
Ben Dunk of Lahore Qalandars reacts after winning the Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 series match, against Karachi Kings, in Lahore, Pakistan, 08 March 2020. Source: EPA/Rahat Dar
Ben Dunk – ‘The Bubbleman’
Left-handed batsman Ben Dunk is a T-20 specialist in Australia and has played for Queensland Bulls and Tasmanian Tigers.
He made is debut in 2009. Dunk scored a double century in the Australian domestic cricket and broke the record of Australian opener David Warner’s 197 runs.
He is also the 4th highest run-scorer in the Australian T20 Big Bash League.
Playing for Lahore Qalandars, the Australian batsman played some big innings that were loved by the Lahori fans including 93 runs of 43 balls and an almost century score of 99 runs in 40 balls.
During his sixes escapade, he was seen chewing a piece of gum and is now being termed a ‘bubbleman’ by his fans.
“I am really happy and blessed that I have been given the opportunity to play in the PSL. There are so many cricketers growing up who want to play in this tournament, both locally here and around the world." Ben Cutting said during a PSL match press conference.
“I think PSL is one of the top leagues in the world. The standard is extremely high. “
Every team you play against is full of world-class players.
“Just to win a match, you have to play really good cricket.”
Chris Lynn
The 29 years old right-handed batsman is from Brisbane and plays for Queensland Bulls in the Australian domestic cricket. In the Big Bash League tournament, he represents the Brisbane Heats.
In PSL 5, Lynn opened for the Lahore Qalandars and scored a big century, making 113 runs off 55 balls against Multan Sultans.
“People of Lahore and in Pakistan have been very welcoming. My time in Pakistan has been absolutely great.
“I love being out in the sun and loved playing these conditions opening for the Lahore Qalandars.
“Hopefully, all the other players experienced the same thing.” Chris Lynn said in a post-match conference after the match.
Shane Watson
The world-famous international all-rounder Shane Watson was not able to show his true strength in the initial stages of the tournament but came back strongly.
Against a strong contender, Karachi Kings, Shane Watson scored a match-winning 66 runs innings in 34 balls and won the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Shane Watson told media after the match against Karachi Kings that he always has had a great experience playing with Quetta Gladiators.
“The event was brilliant.
“Just because of the events going on in the world at the moment, the crowds haven’t been allowed in and things have been changing a lot, but my experience has been an incredible success here.
To be a part of PSL being wholly played in Pakistan is very special.
“All the grounds that we went to, the crowds were absolutely phenomenal. There is no question of playing the Pakistan Super League in Pakistan.”
Shane Watson said it was quite challenging to play the league as every squad has one to two fast bowlers who easily clock 150 kilometers an hour.
“Playing against the fast bowlers in PSL is as challenging as anywhere around the world.
“It is the reason why the local players and the overseas players are playing the game here and fans watching them at home.
Coming for the whole PSL being played here and getting the love and support that I got here. It is the reason why I had such an awesome time here.
Ben Cutting
The Australian all-rounder played well both with the bat and ball. Playing for the Quetta Gladiators, Cutting took 8 wickets in the matches and also scored a quick half-century.
Breaking the Barrier
Pakistan Super League was been called off just before the final matches (semi-finals and final) due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
The cricket board has said that the final matches will be held once the situation is better. The last few matches were played with closed stadiums.
But the initial concerns were not only about the COVID – 19 but due to the security situation in the country.
The previous versions of the Pakistan Super League were played in the United Arab Emirates with few matches in the last league played back home.
Several countries including Australia who have refused to play in Pakistan due to security concerns are now planning to change their stance towards cricket in Pakistan.
During the PSL, the international players also met the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan along with the cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards. Shane Watson also met the PM during the meeting.
