HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has given us many surprises in the past, from bowlers winning the matches with the bat and batters showing their bowling skills.
Multan Sultans have been playing world-class cricket as they have won four matches out of four in HBL PSL 7. The players are complementing each other brilliantly and Mohammad Rizwan has been taking match-winning decisions.
One of the decisions which have benefited Sultans is making part-timer Khushdil Shah a frontline option.
Surprisingly, the left-arm orthodox spinner is the leading wicket-taker of the ongoing tournament and he has provided stability in middle-overs to Rizwan. In four matches, Khushdil has bowled 12 overs with an economy of 6.08. He has nine wickets to his name with the best tournament figures of 4/35.
The management of Multan Sultans heavily rely on data and it was a masterstroke to introduce Khushdil at the top against Quetta Gladiators. He managed to dismiss Will Smeed and Ahsan Ali, who were the mainstays for Gladiators at the top in the opening matches as the duo posted partnerships of 155 and 76.
His four-wicket haul came against Islamabad United yesterday while he took 3/16 against Quetta Gladiators. Khushdil's performances has also overshadowed veteran Imran Tahir, who has seven wickets and the duo is squeezing the opposition in middle-overs.
Khushdil's tidy overs have allowed Sultans' death bowlers to try out different things at the back because of the higher required rates per over.
vs Karachi Kings - 8/1 (2 overs)
vs Lahore Qalandars - 14/1 (2 overs)
vs Quetta Gladiators - 3/16 (4 overs)
vs Islamabad United - 4/35 (4 overs)
Khushdil also has the best economy rate among the bowlers who have at least bowled 10 overs this season.