PSL 6 preview : Wahab Riaz's leadership skills face stern test as Zalmi look for their 2nd title

[MenInG]

By @Titan24

Peshawar Zalmi without a doubt is one of the most consistent side in Pakistan Super League's history. Whilst the 'Yellow Storm' has only won PSL once in 2017 they have been runner's up twice and made the play-offs in every single season. The reason of this consistency can be linked to the fact that it is a pretty well managed franchise supported by a constant and highly astute figure in the backroom in the form of Mohammad Akram who has does a decent job in creating a thriving environment for players. He has also responsible for formulating a decent combination every season which is definitely supported by his keen observation of domestic cricket in Pakistan.


Strengths

The experienced local trio of Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Wahab Riaz have played a considerable number of T20 matches between them and this much experience in the ranks will definitely be one of the strengths for the Zalmis. This will not be in terms of cricket alone but, rather their presence on the field as well which will help the players around them during difficult match situations.

Whilst their bowling on paper doesn’t look as great as it looked when they had 2nd highest wicket taker of PSL, Hassan Ali, was in their ranks, the fact remains that the whole tournament will be played in two venues this time around so there are some factors which can come into play that can help them. Firstly, they have two decent reverse swing bowlers in the form of the highest wicket-taker in PSL history Wahab Riaz and Amad Butt, both of whom can come handy especially in day games as the wickets get used and drier over time in the venues.

On the other hand, young English pacer Saqib Mahmood can bring in some heat and create the sort of impact for Peshawar which he did when he was drafted for the delayed playoffs of season 5. Furthermore a spinner like Mujeeb Ur Rahman who likes bowling with the new ball can also be effective because almost every team in the tournament has at least one left hander in their top order and Mujeeb's record against southpaws is impressive. Mohammad Irfan still goes around with a decent economy in T20 cricket and pacers like Umaid Asif and Mohammad Imran (Emerging) have got some pretty good cutters and slower balls in their arsenal which can become more effective as the tournament progresses with the potential slowness which can take over the overused pitches.


Weaknesses

Leadership is something which can definitely be a weakness for Peshawar Zalmi this year as the departure of regular captain of last 5 years, the two time World T20 Cup awinning captain of West Indies in the form Darren Sammy has left a big hole. Wahab Riaz is the appointed skipper and is a T20 veteran but, there is nothing much in his CV with regards to the leadership roles. Whilst the presence of someone like Shoaib Malik who has a lot of leadership experience can help, at crucial junctures it would be up to Wahab to take some tough decisions.

Batting of Peshawar Zalmi is looking a bit thin especially if we take into account partial availability of players like David Miller and the fact that Liam Livingstone will be away for national duties. While they have a young warrior in the form of Haider Ali in their ranks, the other key local players in the form of Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik are past their prime and it remains to be seen if the two still have enough left in the tank. With the absence of players like Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy this year, the lower middle order is also lacking the fire power which has long been associated with Zalmi. So a lot will be dependent upon their new inductions, Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Amad Butt who might have the spark but have much less proven pedigree in the role in comparison to the previously proven performers.


Players to watch out for

Considering the skills Haider Ali has shown in white ball cricket, he will definitely be a player to watch out for. Ali's flare, spark and nothing to fear attitude defines what Zalmi as a team stands for and his performances can define the season for Peshawar Zalmi as well. On the other hand, Mujeeb Ur Rahman can be really handy with the new ball against the left handers which almost every team has in the top order. His importance to Zalmi increases further when we consider his record against the left handers and the fact that there can be bit more assistance for him as the tournament progresses. The captain Wahab Riaz will be the key in the death overs and will have to once again prove to be the difference in the game by restricting oppositions around par and below par scores. Veteran Shoaib Malik, even at this age will be a vital cog, a bridge between top order and the middle order with a role to anchor the innings. Peshawar Zalmi did a decent job when it comes to the emerging players, so Mohammad Imran and Abrar Ahmed coming off successful 2nd XI seasons and some domestic experience with the main regional teams will be exciting prospects to look out for.


Verdict

Peshawar Zalmi once again has the capability to deliver some good performances with the ball but, the season will be defined by how their batting does in PSL 6. In the last season Zalmi's batting struggled to put up above par scores more often than not and their bowling had to compensate. However this led to inconsistent performances in the tournament with Zalmi winning 4 and losing 5 matches and making it to the play-offs by a whisker. Overall, considering how the team has gone about its business every year in a professional manner, there is a decent chance for them to make the play-offs this season as well. Overall batting performance will be dependent upon how are the replacements in the absence of David Miller early in the tournament and Liam Livingstone who will miss PSL due to national commitments will fare as the yellow storm needs that support in the batting to put up decent scores for their bowling to defend.


Full Squad

Peshawar Zalmi– Abrar Ahmed (emerging); Amad Butt (gold); David Miller (platinum); Haider Ali (gold); Imam-ul-Haq (silver); Kamran Akmal (diamond, successful relegation request); Mohammad Amir Khan (supplementary); Mohammad Irfan Snr; Mohammad Imran; Mohammad Imran Randhawa (all silver); Mujeeb Ur Rehman (diamond); Ravi Bopara (supplementary); Saqib Mahmood (silver); Sherfane Rutherford (diamond); Shoaib Malik (platinum); Umaid Asif (silver); Wahab Riaz (platinum); Tom-Kohler Cadmore (replacement for Liam Livingstone)

[MenInG]

Pictures from practice

[deems]

The training kit is lit!

[shamaan]

My playing xi

Imaam ul haq
Kamran akmal
Haider ali
Malik
Bopora
Miller
Ammad butt
Riaz
Ibrar ahmed E
Amaid asif
Munjeeb

[Hitman]

Obviously, the fans should look after themselves at all times and when they turn up at the ground they should follow the SOPs by all means for their own good. But it would be wonderful to see them back in the stands. Their presence, even in limited numbers, will certainly inspire the players - Wahab Riaz

We were definitely not up to the mark as a team and that happened because we failed to click as a unit. Mind you cricket is not an individual sport but a team game where participation of every member in the squad counts. There were certain areas where we struggled, whether it was batting or bowling - Wahab Riaz.

This year our main aim has been to find the right formula and the focus is on the team combination, which is the essential part for success in any team sport. Moreover, we have defined roles for the players and told them what exactly we want and this has been done now so that once the tournament starts no one should remain in the dark - Wahab Riaz

[Savak]

Irfan is getting on a bit.

[Saj]

Miller only available for the 2nd half of PSL.

Hassan Ali gone to IU.

PZ don't look as strong this time around, especially in the pace-bowling department.

[MenInG]

Pictures from practice game vs QG

[Shoaibbtt]

Is Sammy there just for coaching? Shame he's not playing

[shamaan]

Miller only available for the 2nd half of PSL.

Hassan Ali gone to IU.

PZ don't look as strong this time around, especially in the pace-bowling department.

@Saj@MenInG is muhammed haris part of the peshawar squad also did he keep wicket in the practise match today ?

[Deewana Mastana]

Miller only available for the 2nd half of PSL.

Hassan Ali gone to IU.

PZ don't look as strong this time around, especially in the pace-bowling department.

Too many "has beens" in their set up this year.

[Bigboii]

They made a blunder with HA

The core 3 should stay the same KA, HA, WR

[MenInG]

Nice to see Amla in Pakistan

[MenInG]

Pictures of Zalmi practice

[Titan24]

Someone like Haider Ali can learn a lot from Hashim Amla including the calmness and overall relaxed demeanor when at the crease.

[Bewal Express]

Someone like Haider Ali can learn a lot from Hashim Amla including the calmness and overall relaxed demeanor when at the crease.

When you hit in the air for your core runs, you will always be hit and miss. I am worried for the lad.

[Titan24]

When you hit in the air for your core runs, you will always be hit and miss. I am worried for the lad.

I agree, his risk and reward decision making while at the crease leaves a lot to be desired. However, at the same time some of his shots in last series like straight drive, cut shot and flick of the wrist for a 6 shows that potential is there and just needs to work on his mindset along with overall game plan. He is still young, so one can hope for the best and give him some roam to improve.

[Bewal Express]

I agree, his risk and reward decision making while at the crease leaves a lot to be desired. However, at the same time some of his shots in last series like straight drive, cut shot and flick of the wrist for a 6 shows that potential is there and just needs to work on his mindset along with overall game plan. He is still young, so one can hope for the best and give him some roam to improve.

T20 is a game of risk but it's calculated risk. HAs problem is that even his bread butter runs are risky and that never ends well. I hope I am wrong but I am worried about where this is heading.

[MenInG]

Wahab can be good at times but as captain, not sure if he can handle the pressure AND deliver from the bowling crease.

[shamaan]

I really hope haider ali has a massive tournament and i hope he opens the batting

[MenInG]

Waqar Salamkheil of Afghanistan will join Peshawar Zalmi as a partial cover for David Miller.

Salamkheil is in silver category and he is coming in as replacement for David Miller, who will travel to Pakistan on Monday, March 1 after finishing his domestic cricket commitments.

[Hasan123]

Wahab doesn’t really scream captain material other than his commitment. I would have liked to have seen Imam made captain as there is a chance he could captain Pakistan if Babar and Shadab don’t work out.

[Forum363]

PZ are so lucky to have Sammy in their camp. The guy is a born winner / champion and even without being in the playing X1, he’s one of the best people to have in your camp.

If Sammy manages to inspire this frankly rubbish and over the hill PZ team to anything better than a bottom 2 finish, he should be considered for a role with our international team, at least for limited overs cricket.

[MenInG]

It appears that Wahab will not play the first game on Sunday for Zalmi after breaching COVID protocol

A stand-in captain for Sundays’ game will be announced soon, with Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal being likely options.

[Hasan123]

It appears that Wahab will not play the first game on Sunday for Zalmi after breaching COVID protocol

A stand-in captain for Sundays’ game will be announced soon, with Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal being likely options.

I would prefer to see Imam as captain. We don’t learn anything from Kamran or Malik as captain, when Malik has captained in recent times he has looked disinterested and lacking in inspiration. Kamran Akmal should never be in a leadership position even in a T10 game.

[MenInG]

Ok so all good in the PSL 6 world - Wahab will lead

PCB Release

Appeal on a player and official guilty of breaching bio-secure bubble in Friday, has been accepted. The two have been allowed to integrate with the side

The team has offered its regrets to the PCB on Friday’s breach and has thanked the PSL ETC for accepting their appeal. They have further assured protocols will be followed and respected as everyone wants the PSL to succeed.

[Saj]

Not the smartest captain is Wahab.

Very strange bowling changes and field settings.

Also terrible over when it mattered the most.

[Forum363]

As expected the ‘experienced’ trio that Zalmi rely on, don’t look in the best of form.

Early days yet but should be competing for the bottom with Lahore.

[Saj]

Wahab Riaz after the defeat to Lahore Qalandars

We were 20-30 runs short today on that wicket and Qalandars bowled exceptionally well.

There was a bit in the wicket early on and Qalandars bowlers utilised the conditions very well. Our batsmen should have taken a bit more time and things could have been different.

The positives are the way Shoaib Malik batted and the way Ravi Bopara and Rutherford took the innings deep. Also as a fielding side we fought hard which was good to see as a captain, but we didn’t have enough runs on the board and the wicket was a lot better in the second half of the match, but as a fielding side we tried our level best to win the game right to the end.

The message is very clear to Haider Ali, go out there play your shots, play your natural game, there is no pressure. Go out, score runs and if you score runs you are a match-winner for us.

[BakuGM]

After all the teams have played their first game I can categorically say that Zelmi is the worst team and 90% chance they will finish at the bottom of the table.

[Coolcapri]

I think Wahab managed his bowling resources well, But he own bowling was below par as he looks bit down due to what happened before the game.

Expecting him to bounce back strongly.

[Firebat]

Mohammad Irfan and Tom Kohler-Cadmore receiving their caps ahead of their Zalmi debuts.

[MenInG]

Wahab speaking at end of the game against Multan

"The wicket was really good for batting when we started to bowl and whilst they played really well, the margin of error for us was very narrow, and we were expecting them to go to 170-180 but they took the score to 193"

"I would like to credit Mohammad Imran, our emerging player, for the brilliant way he finished up in this innings and that set the tone for us"

"We have the belief that we could chase down this total and it was simply a case of getting 2 good partnerships together"

"And when you have so much experience in your line-up, you do expect to get to such totals and the way we put in our everything to get to that total was awesome"

"We have that confidence which comes from the fact that we have match-winners such as Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik and Haider Ali and Imam-ul-Haq; All of them performed so well for Pakistan as well; And then Tom came in which was icing on the cake for us; For a captain its really satisfying to see the team winning by chasing such tough targets"

[Forum363]

As I said before the tournament began, opposition teams will be licking their lips looking at the Zalmi bowling attack. They were lucky today that their batsmen stepped up, helped by the fact it’s easier to chase.

The Sammy effect should help them to win a few games but I would be surprised if they make the playoffs.

[Saj]

So far they are the worst bowling attack in the tournament.

All over the place.

[Forum363]

Once again, showing what terrible decisions the PZ management made.

Before the tournament began you could see this was an awful bowling attack.

It was a huge blunder letting Hassan Ali go. I don’t care if he ‘wanted’ to move to IU. They could have easily offered him the captaincy and got him to stay.

[Saj]

So far they are the worst bowling attack in the tournament.

All over the place.

The additional problem they have is that when you have a poor bowling attack then you need a very good fielding unit, but their fielding is nearly as bad as their bowling.

[Forum363]

As expected the ‘experienced’ trio that Zalmi rely on, don’t look in the best of form.

Early days yet but should be competing for the bottom with Lahore.

Once again, let down massively by the core 3 oldies so far. Let’s see if Malik can salvage something here.

[Forum363]

The additional problem they have is that when you have a poor bowling attack then you need a very good fielding unit, but their fielding is nearly as bad as their bowling.

For a team with such a brilliant management it’s amazing how they selected such a poor squad. They built a team around the core of Malik, Kamraan and Wahab. While those players have performed in leagues previously, it’s very obvious they’re coming to the end of their useful career and while you can take a risk with one, having 3 and making them the crux of your team is asking for trouble.

They still have time. Wahab and Kami need to be dropped and Imam given the captaincy with Sammy controlling everything from the dugout. Team selection, field placings and even bowling changes needs to come from Sammy. Perhaps then they can avoid a bottom two finish.

[Saj]

They seem to have an army of VIPs in the stadium though sat around.

I reckon they are top of the table when it comes to the most hangers-on.

[MenInG]

Wahab Riaz speaking at end of the 3 wicket win vs Quetta:


"We told the boys to play in the same way as we did to win the previous game whilst chasing; We knew the wicket was good and we could win"

"It seems that I have to work very hard on my bowling; As a captain I am leading the side and I cannot let them down because of my performance so I really have to pull my socks up, and Inshallah in the coming matches it will be very different"

"Its a great feeling to win the game, honestly speaking, and I was thinking to myself that I have to hit 2 sixes so that I don't put pressure on Rutherford"

[Saj]

Got lucky today and they have Sarfaraz's shoddy captaincy to thank for that.

They really do need to vastly improve their bowling and fielding if they are to progress to the 2nd stage of the tournament.