Decoding Multan Sultans' terrific run in the PSL 7 season
What's the story
Defending Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Multan Sultans have become the first side to reach the playoffs in the ongoing seventh edition. Notably, they have a 100% record in the tournament, winning six out of six matches so far. The Sultans dominate the individual numbers as well in terms of runs and wickets. It has been a flawless campaign so far.
Journey
Multan Sultans' journey in the PSL 7 season
The Sultans started the season by overcoming Karachi Kings by seven wickets. They beat Lahore Qalandars next by five wickets. In the third encounter, they snatched a six-run win over Quetta Gladiators. They followed that up with a 20-run win over Islamabad United. The Sultans overcame Peshawar Zalmi in two successive games next - by 57 and 42 runs respectively.
Context
Why does it matter?
The Sultans have dominated the scenes this season under skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who has led from the front. Consistency and momentum are the key factors that highlight Sultans' approach. They have entered the playoffs after beating Peshawar Zalmi. The rest of the teams are far behind the Sultans at the moment. One would expect the side to finish the league stage with a bang.
Masood
Shan Masood has been prolific with the bat
The Sultans have three batters in the Top 5 when it comes to most runs in the tournament. Shan Masood has scored the most runs for Multan Sultans. He has 343 runs from six games at 57.16. He has hit three fifties with the best score of 88. He is the second-highest scorer in the tournament after Lahore Qalandars' Fakhar Zaman (543).
Wickets
A look at Sultans' leading wicket-takers
In terms of bowling, the likes of Khushdil Shah, Imran Tahir, and David Willey have contributed immensely. They occupy the second, third, and fourth spot respectively among bowlers with most wickets in PSL 7. Khushdil has claimed 12 scalps at an economy rate of 6.11. Tahit (11 wickets) and Willey (7 wickets) follow suit. Islamabad United's Shadab Khan has the most scalps (14).
Numbers
Multan Sultans dominate the numbers
Khushdil has the second-best bowling average in the tournament (8.91). He also has the second-best economy rate (6.11). Rizwan and Masood have the joint-highest number of fifties (3) alongside Ahsan Ali and Fakhar Zaman. Meanwhile, David has hit the most sixes in the tourney (18). Masood has hit the most fours (40). He is the joint-highest in terms of boundaries (49).
Information
Rizwan and David have contributed as well
Mohammad Rizwan is the second-highest scorer for Multan Sultans. He is third on the overall list after amassing 249 runs from six matches at 49.80. He is followed by Tim David, who is fifth on the list. David has racked up 197 runs at 65.66.