The game of cricket is undergoing a transformation as new technology quickly replaces conventional techniques. Today’s teams mainly rely on data analytics to create their game strategies while considering the flaws and strengths of their opponents.
The word “match-up,” which describes the employment of a player by one team to target the vulnerability of a certain player on the opposing side, is derived from this practise. The PSL franchises are also employing the strategy, and although there is always room for uncertainty, the match-ups frequently prove to be game-changing plays.
Babar Azam vs. Mohammad Nawaz
Despite his batting prowess against pacers, Babar Azam is infamous for losing wickets to wrist spinners. Nevertheless, statistics show that he is even weaker against left-arm off-spinners, with an average of 27 and a strike rate of 114.
At Karachi’s National Stadium, Quetta Gladiator’s Mohammad Nawaz took advantage of the situation and caught Babar Azam with his leg before the wicket for just 19 runs off 18 balls.
Faheem Ashraf vs. Mohammad Ilyas
In Pindi Cricket Stadium, Islamabad United took on Multan Sultans, but the home team’s top order was unable to get them off to the necessary start as they chased a huge total of 205.
There were only 18 runs left to score off the final over. The ‘data-driven’ Islamabad United were appreciative to have Faheem Ashraf on the crease for the final over bowled by bowler Mohammad Ilyas, even if the needed run rate showed Multan Sultans’ supremacy.
Faheem Ashraf was an excellent choice to complete the game in the final overs because of his 150 strike rate against quick bowlers. Except for those who were focused on the match-ups, Faheem Ashraf’s successful chase of 18 from five balls astounded everyone.
Colin Munro vs. Mohammad Nawaz
Colin Munro, who is renowned for his power hitting, particularly in the middle overs, is less effective against let-arm off-spin bowling than he could be against other bowling variations. In contrast to his overall record, he had a strike rate of 129 and an average of 25 versus off-spinners.
Therefore, the Quetta Gladiators were able to eliminate Colin Munro with his 29-ball 63 exactly when he was seriously endangering their hopes of winning the match by using their off-spin option Mohammad Nawaz.
Babar Azam vs. Shadab Khan
When compared to other bowlers, Babar Azam is considered to have trouble batting against wrist-spinners because his strike rate is only 120.98. Shadab Khan himself was the most suitable candidate to replace Peshawar Zalmi’s captain in the first elimination round.
In the PSL, he has three times taken Babar Azam’s wicket, average 34.66. In the PSL, Babar Azam’s strike rate against Shadab Khan is 114.28. He succeeded, dismissing the menacing-appearing Babar Azam for 64 off 39 balls.
Babar Azam vs. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, in contrast to the majority of bowlers, has excelled against Babar Azam. In their seven encounters, the leg-spinner has successfully trapped the star hitter six times, while the Pakistani captain has yet to smash the Afghan bowler for a six. Babar Azam hasn’t been the hitter he typically is against Rashid Khan, averaging 13.6 with a strike rate of 121.53.
In the crucial second PSL 8 elimination match against Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi’s captain was once again unable to handle Rashid’s spinning deliveries and was caught in front of the stumps for a 36-ball 42.
