Bowling Brilliance: The Three Wicket-Takers Who Ruled PSL 2025

The 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) was full of sixes, but ultimately, it was the bowlers who shone the brightest. The pace, bounce, and guile shown by Abbas Afridi, Jason Holder, and Abrar Ahmed during the tournament took the shine off the batsman’s parade as they tended to offer viewers a moment to remember. Their match-winning spells in which they left the batters with their stumps cartwheeling around the park were not only a triumph for their respective teams but also gave a reminder that, in this batter-dominated format, bowlers can still steal the spotlight.

Abbas Afridi: Karachi Kings

Abbas Afridi was clearly the heartbeat of the Karachi Kings’ bowling attack, in both energy and for his wicket-taking ability. The young pacer finished his season with 15 wickets at 1.67 per game from only 8 games, with a best of 4/27. If his economy of 9.33 was a tad high, then the true value of his bowling can be understood by his strike-rate of 10.80, obtaining a wicket on average once every 2 overs.

His tactic of bowling short-balls and many tactically deceptive variations often put batters (if they cared to show his style of bowling) in awkward positions, which meant they were half committing to ill-judged shots and shot-making. All this made him one of the most entertaining bowlers to watch. Although Karachi did not qualify, they fought to the end with Abbas leading the way.

Jason Holder: Islamabad United

Jason Holder joined the Islamabad United franchise team with plenty of international experience, and boy, did it show. The towering West Indian all-rounder tied with Abbas Afridi on 15 wickets in 8 games, with the difference being that Holder’s methodical way of bowling made the output much more valuable in that he made sure he was as consistent as possible with control. Holder’s best figures of 4/25 were a masterclass in control seam bowling in some good batting conditions.

What made Holder a standout was his adaptability. He did not bowl express pace, but was very difficult to put away with his seams, lengths, cutters, and subtle variations. His economy rate of 9.36 was not good, but his average of 18.73 showed he was rarely wicketless. 

Abrar Ahmed: Quetta Gladiators

In the midst of quick-bowling firepower hurting batting line-ups, Abrar Ahmed came from a different angle, a bowler’s threat that distracted batsmen away from finding their rhythm and changing the outcome of matches. Playing for the Quetta Gladiators, and very much a mystery spinner, Ahmed achieved 14 wickets from 9 games, with a very good economy rate of 7.23. In a tournament where gigantic total scores of 200+ are fast becoming the norm, Ahmed’s bowling spells were ultimately the equivalent of being able to find a cool shady palm tree in a barren desert.

His best performance was 4/42 in a high-scoring match where he confused some of the most destructive batsmen in the tournament with his ability to turn the ball both ways. Even when he didn’t take wickets, he was able to trouble batsmen to make them play shots leading to mistakes, and traps to appeal to with some skillful field set up. 

We are reminded by these three that it can be about more than simply belting the ball to the boundary. Sure, there are ludicrous amounts of runs scored that make for headlines, but it is the bowlers who often determine whether a chase is a walk in the park or feels like a collapse.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!

angelo

See Full Bio