The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has entered its final phase, and with four teams confirmed for the playoffs beginning from Tuesday, the road to the main event has finally opened.
Peshawar Zalmi rule the points table with 9 points, Quetta Gladiators are second with equal points but a lower Net Run Rate (NRR). Whereas, Islamabad United and Karachi Kings are placed third and fourth, respectively with 8 points each in their kitty.
The difference of points between the four qualifying teams, itself suggest that the game quality has improved overall in this years PSL. With no franchise emerging as a clear favorite the unpredictability factor has increased exponentially.
Let us review the journey of the four qualifiers in PSL 2017:
Gladiators continue their good work
Last years underdog Quetta, carried on with their good form thanks to an aggressive leadership provided by Sarfraz Ahmed and inspiration from none other than West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards.
With Rilee Rossouw and Kevin Pietersen, two of the top run makers in the ongoing tournament, at their disposal and a lethal bowling attack including Tymal Mills, the Gladiators became the first to reach the qualifiers.
Probably, the best moment for Quetta thus far, was when it chased down 200 set by Lahore Qalandars, with seven balls to spare. All thanks to 88 runs blitz by KP.
What a finish! Some explosive power hitting by KP has done it for the Gladiators who have once again chased the highest total yet! #HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/HWhGoXgUz8
PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) 18 February 2017
Zalmis top the charts
Peshawar Zalmi, started of the tournament with a bang winning two games on the trot and then lost two, in a pretty thrilling fashion, Sammy men with their charisma and fan support soon turned the tide and won their last two games.
With everyones favorite super hero Shahid Afridi taking his side to the top in the last game of the qualifiers.
Kings roar into the playoffs
Karachi Kings finally made into the playoffs, the side which was heavily penned by critics and fans alike for their lackluster game, produced two classics back to back wins paving its way to the qualifier.
The Kings were the last franchise to open their accounts in the PSL 2017, and were always under the radar to get the PSL return ticket. However, that was not meant to be thanks to Keiron Pollard who became the go to man for Kings first against arch rivals Lahore Qalandars, and then against Islamabad United in their last game, proving that the Kings are not so overrated after all.
Another great celebration at the PSL #PSL2017 #KKvLQ pic.twitter.com/b8cmLRs2MD
Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) 25 February 2017
United win another title shot
Misbah led Islamabad United boast the most potent bowling attack of the entire tournament. The attack led by veteran fast bowler Muhammad Sami, and quality spin bowling provided by Rumman Raees and Shadab Khan have crippled the opposition batting line up consistently.
Well who can forget the final over by Sami against Quetta Gladiators, leaking only three runs of the five required and that too, to the in-form Russouw who was only able to hit a single on the final delivery, much to the pleasure of United as they made it into the Qualifiers.
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