As the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024) progresses, Lahore Qalandars find themselves grappling with significant challenges, particularly in their bowling department. After five matches played, the team has secured no win, with their bowling lineup enduring considerable difficulties. Despite having some talented bowlers on their roster, the absence of key players and inconsistent performances have plagued their campaign.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, hailed as one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers, leads Lahore Qalandars’ bowling charts with only seven wickets in five matches. While Afridi’s ability to pick up wickets is unquestionable, his impact hasn’t been sufficient to turn the team’s fortunes around. Additionally, his economy rate of 8.05 indicates a struggle to contain runs, further adding to Lahore’s woes.
The injury list compounds Lahore’s bowling woes, with Haris Rauf ruled out for the remainder of PSL 2024 due to a shoulder injury. Rauf, known for his pace and ability to trouble batsmen, was expected to play a pivotal role in Lahore’s bowling attack. His absence has undoubtedly weakened the team’s firepower and added pressure on the remaining bowlers to deliver.
Another blow came before the start of the season when Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spin sensation, withdrew himself from PSL 2024 due to injury. Rashid’s absence has left a significant void in Lahore Qalandars’ bowling unit. Throughout his tenure with the team, Rashid proved to be a match-winner, often providing crucial breakthroughs with his crafty leg-spin bowling.
In Rashid’s absence, the responsibility of leading the charge fell on Zaman Khan and Afridi. Zaman has managed to pick up six wickets in five matches. However, Khan’s bowling average of 30.83 is a concern, indicating that he has been relatively expensive and unable to consistently contain the opposition batsmen. With the pressure mounting, Lahore needs Khan to step up and deliver impactful performances in the upcoming matches.
One of the puzzling aspects of Lahore Qalandars’ bowling strategy is the underutilization of Sikandar Raza as a frontline bowler. Despite the team’s captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressing confidence in Raza’s ability to fill the void left by Rashid Khan, the Zimbabwean all-rounder has predominantly been used as a batsman. Raza’s limited opportunities with the ball raise questions about Lahore’s tactical approach and their failure to capitalize on his bowling prowess.
Here is how the Lahore Qalandars bowlers are doing:
Ahsan Hafeez: Ahsan Hafeez has shown glimpses of potential in the limited opportunities he has received. Having played in just two matches so far, Hafeez has managed to make an impact with the ball, claiming two wickets.
His best bowling figures of 2/19 demonstrate his ability to pick up crucial breakthroughs for Lahore Qalandars. With an average of 15 and an economy rate of 10.00, Hafeez has showcased his talent in containing opposition batsmen.
Salman Fayyaz: Salman Fayyaz has been another bright spot in Lahore Qalandars’ bowling lineup. Despite featuring in only two matches, Fayyaz has made his presence felt by claiming two wickets. His best bowling performance of 1/23 reflects his ability to contribute to the team’s cause.
However, Fayyaz will be looking to improve his average of 25 and economy rate of 9.37 as he aims to play a more significant role in the team’s success.
Haris Rauf: Haris Rauf’s absence due to a shoulder injury might or might not be a significant setback for Lahore Qalandars. In the four matches he played before being ruled out, Rauf managed to pick up only two wickets.
His bowling figures of 1/22 highlight the impact he could have, however, his recent dip in form questions if he was a burden for the team . With an average of 66 and an economy rate of 9.42, Rauf will be hoping for a swift recovery to bolster Lahore’s bowling attack.
Jahandad Khan: Jahandad Khan has been a regular feature in Lahore Qalandars’ bowling lineup, having played in all five matches so far. Despite his consistent presence, Khan has only managed to claim two wickets.
His best bowling figures of 1/22 underscore the potential he has to make significant contributions to the team. Khan will be eager to improve his bowling average of 68.5 and economy rate of 10.53 in the upcoming matches.
GF Linde: GF Linde has shown promise with the ball in the limited opportunities he has received for Lahore Qalandars. Featuring in two matches, Linde has taken one wicket with his best bowling figures of 1/26. While he has demonstrated the ability to contain runs with an economy rate of 8.50, Linde will be aiming to make a more substantial impact with the ball in the matches to come.
Sikandar Raza: Sikandar Raza, primarily known for his all-around prowess, has been underutilized as a bowler for Lahore Qalandars. Despite being identified as a potential replacement for Rashid Khan, Raza has bowled in only three matches, picking up one wicket.
His best bowling figures of 1/25 highlight his ability to contribute with the ball when given the opportunity. However, with an average of 69 and an economy rate of 9.85, Raza will be hoping for more opportunities to showcase his bowling skills and make a significant impact for Lahore Qalandars.
