T20 matches are known for big scores and plenty of boundaries and sixes but the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022, played between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans, did not turn out to be like that.
While talking about this issue, former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq strongly criticised the pitch that was used in the opening match of the PSL. The pitch did not help the batters in scoring too many runs and seemed a little slow as well, throughout the game.
The opening match
Inzamam urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to improve the quality of pitches in the tournament. In the first game, Multan Sultans won the toss and decided to bowl first. Their South African spinner and Man of the Match, Imran Tahir took three wickets conceding only 16 runs in four overs. On the other hand, Pakistan bowler Khushdil Shah took one wicket and conceded eight runs in two overs.
On a pitch that seemingly helped the spinners, Kings registered a total of 124 runs in 20 overs losing five wickets. Opening batsman Sharjeel Khan scored 43 runs off 31 balls and emerged as the highest run-scorer for the team. Skipper Babar Azam scored 23 runs off 29 balls. No other batsman could score more than 30 runs for the Kings in the match. In a situation like this, Inzamam vehemently opposed the slow pitches of PSL. Inzamam also felt that T20 cricket should not be played on such pitches.
Inzamam's words
“T20 matches should not be played on such a pitch,” he said during an interview.
While talking about opener Sharjeel, he said that the 32-year-old left-handed batsman needs to work on his fitness in order to be “a big player.”
“If Sharjeel works on his fitness, he can become a big player,” the 51-year-old former cricketer said.
In reply, Sultans openers- Shan Masood (26 runs off 18 balls) and skipper Mohammad Rizwan (52 runs off 47 balls), started the inning on a convincing note. Later, Shoaib Maqsood gave a good support to Rizwan and scored 30 runs off 31 balls. The Sultans eventually reached their target with 10 balls remaining.
