When one talks about power-hitting and big hits in Twenty20 cricket, one talks about leagues like the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League and Caribbean Premier League. However, in 2020, one league has left everyone behind and has climbed to the top of the mountain with a very unique statistic. The Pakistan Super League, which concluded on November 17 with the Karachi Kings beating Lahore Qalandars, has defeated the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, Caribbean Premier League and even the Mzansi Super League with this one unique feat.
The average run-rate for the entire tournament of the Pakistan Super League was 8.64 and it is the best among all the Twenty20 leagues in the world. The IPL 2020, which was held in the UAE this time due to the coronavirus pandemic, is fourth in the list of Twenty20 leagues for the best average run-rate in the tournament with 8.28. The one league that is closely behind Pakistan Super League is New Zealand’s Super Smash T20 tournament with 8.54.
The statistic means that on an average, 173 runs were scored in every game of the tournament when it comes to the Pakistan Super League. In the whole tournament, only nine times did a team score less than 150 while the remainder of the games saw totals in excess of 160 and 170 on a regular basis.
Karachi Kings’ tribute to Dean Jones
Karachi Kings won the Pakistan Super League for the first time in their history as they defeated Lahore Qalandars by five wickets to seal the title. Babar Azam was once again in great form as he smashed an unbeaten 63 off 49 balls and they clinched the title.
After the win, Karachi Kings paid a tribute to their former coach and Australian cricketer Dean Jones who died tragically a couple of months ago while skipper Imad Wasim also paid tribute to Wasim Akram, the legendary Pakistan pace bowler.
Dean Jones was the coach of the Karachi Kings for the PSL 2020. Jones, who had coached Islamabad United in the past, took on the role at the Kings in March before the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to cricket all over the world, with the PSL being halted just before the play-offs.
"Dean Jones, of course, gets credit because what he taught us, very few coaches in the world can," Imad said after the win. "Wasim Akram, of course, deserves the trophy because he was our bowling coach, head coach, mentor and team president rolled in one. It's an honour to captain this franchise," he added. On resumption of the PSL, before their game against the Multan Sultans, both teams paid homage to the late cricketer with a D formation with their players before a moment's silence. There was also a cardboard cutout of Jones in the Kings' dugout that read "We miss you!"
Although the sample and the number of games played will vary and draw criticism, the number of big scores amassed in the Pakistan Super League 2020 was impressive never-the-less.
