Every T20 cricket fan knows the thrill of watching a star batter walk out to bat — the expectations, the crowd buzz, and the aura of a match-winner. But what happens when that top batter gets knocked over early? That’s when the real heroes – the bowlers – steal the spotlight. In the high-octane drama of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), taking down the top three batters of a team isn’t just a stat – it’s a statement. Some bowlers make it their mission to shatter the power-packed top order, and over the seasons, a few have turned this into an art.
1. Shaheen Shah Afridi
If there’s one bowler who lives in a batter’s head rent-free, it’s Shaheen Shah Afridi. The left-arm pacer, known for his searing inswingers and raw aggression, had a phenomenal 2021/22 PSL season. Picking up 12 wickets, Shaheen wasn’t just effective – he was lethal. Most impressively, many of those wickets came from the top order thanks to his knack for striking in the powerplay.
Shaheen bowled 175 balls that season, conceding 236 runs at an economy of 8.09, and yet maintained a strong average of 19.66. What makes his performance stand out is the sheer volume of dot balls – 76, which speaks volumes about the pressure he created early on. Add to that his strike rate of 129.14 and six sixes conceded, and you’ve got a bowler who didn’t just take wickets – he owned the game up front.
2. Sohail Khan
Way back in the 2016/17 season, when T20 bowling was all about containing rather than striking, Sohail Khan came in like a wrecking ball. Often flying under the radar, Sohail shocked fans and opponents alike with his deadly spells, ending the season with 12 wickets in just 9 innings.
What made him stand out was his incredible average of just 10.66, the lowest among the three bowlers on this list. In a mere 97 balls, he conceded only 128 runs, delivering at a miserly economy of 7.91. Sohail also had a strong presence early in the innings, often targeting the top batters before they could settle. Despite not bowling as many overs as others, his impact per over was massive – a true hitman of the 2016/17 campaign.
3. Mohammad Nawaz
Spin doesn’t always scream “wicket-taker,” but Mohammad Nawaz begs to differ. In the 2018/19 season, Nawaz was a stealthy force for his side, collecting 11 wickets across 12 innings. He might not have matched Shaheen or Sohail in raw pace or flamboyance, but his smart variations and control made him a nightmare for top-order batters.
His economic rate of 7.50 was the best among the three, and his 159 balls yielded only 199 runs. Nawaz’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs meant he was always around when the big guns came out. His dot ball count (74) and 10 sixes conceded reflect his balance of aggression and restraint – not flashy, but brutally effective.
In T20 cricket, taking out the top three batters is like cutting off the head of a snake – it changes the game entirely. Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz proved that with the right mix of skill, strategy, and nerve, bowlers can dominate even in the most batter-friendly formats. These three didn’t just pick up wickets – they hunted the giants, often turning matches with a single spell.
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.
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