PSL 2023 Final: 5 Players Who will be Crucial For Lahore Qalandars To Win MUL VS LAH Final Match

PSL 2023 Final, MUL VS LAH Final Match: Lahore Qalandars will defend their title against Multan Sultans in the final of the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) today at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. When these two teams met in the final last year, Lahore emerged victorious to win their first-ever PSL trophy. Qalandars have bounced back in the event in style after their humiliating loss in Qualifier 1 against Multan Sultans, by defeating Peshawar Zalmi to reach the final of PSL 2023.

After suffering a batting collapse in a couple of games, the Shaheen Afridi-led side got some relief when the young opening batter, Tahir Baig, showed some fantastic batting skills in the 2nd eliminator against Peshawar Zalmi.

The Qalandars find themselves on the verge of history as they will be looking to become the first side in the history of the tournament to retain their title. Playing in their home ground in front of a packed home crowd, the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Qalandars will be determined to perform in front of their home crowd and defeat Multan for the second successive time in the final. There is no reason why they can’t do it as there is no dearth of talent in the team with the likes of Fakhar Zaman Rashid Khan, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi himself. Let’s take a look at the five important players whom you should keep an eye on.

MUL VS LAH Final Match: Top Lahore Players to Watch Out for in the PSL 2023 Final

5) Zaman Khan

Zaman Khan has impressed everyone with his slingy action and the batters have found it difficult to pick his line and lengths at times. His action has made him an impactful performer. In 12 matches in this PSL, he has bagged 15 wickets at an economy of 8.56. He bowls in the powerplay and then comes back to finish the job in the death overs. Zaman picked up 2 wickets in the last game in his three overs at an economy rate of 6.67.

4) Fakhar Zaman

Lahore’s most experienced and impactful batter, Fakhar, who finished the last season as its leading run-getter, has been outstanding once again this year as well. The left-handed explosive batter is the leading run-scorer for his team with 378 runs from 10 innings. Unlike the league stage, the knockouts have been tough for him so far, he scored 6 each in his last two innings.

However, cometh the big game, a big match player- Fakhar is expected to score runs and Lahore would be hoping for a big from him. He will be looking to get back to form in the big-ticket final.

3) Haris Rauf

Rauf has found his mojo at the right time of the tournament. The express pace bowler regularly chips away with the wickets at crucial junctures of the tournament and is one of the leaders of the attack along with skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi. He is an important member of Lahore’s bowling attack and has taken 17 wickets at an economy rate of 8.98 with the best of 3-22. Although there will be very little help in the Lahore pitch, Rauf will still find a way to succeed and he will be key in restricting the scoring rate of Multan Sultans in the death overs.

2) Sikandar Raza

Raza has been a great addition to the Lahore setup. While batting in the lower middle order, he has scored runs in tense moments for his team. In 11 matches, he has accumulated 222 runs at an average of 44.4 with a strike rate of 181.96. The hallmark of his campaign has been his ability to handle pressure.

Sikandar Raza’s innings of an unbeaten 71 came under immense pressure for the Lahore Qalandars against the Quetta Gladiators. That proved just how good he is when the pressure is on. Not just with the bat, but with the ball as well he can chip in with crucial wickets. If Lahore are to defend their title, Raza will have to contribute with the bat and ball against a star-studded Multan lineup.

1) Rashid Khan

Throughout the competition, Rashid has been a wicket-taking bowler. Playing to his reputation, Rashid Khan has 18 wickets to his name in 10 matches and he is the 3rd highest wicket-taker of PSL 2023. Inarguably one of the best bowlers in the world right now, the wily leg spinner is an asset to Lahore and how he fares with the ball could well decide the fate of his team in the final.

After not starting the tournament well, the spin wizard has been in a sensational run of form with the ball, outfoxing the batters with his tricks. He is also equally capable with the bat and can score a few quick runs down the order. Having played the most T20 matches in the team, Rashid’s experience will help the team immensely and will add value to the team.