Former Australian batsman Usman Khawaja has highlighted several emerging and established players from his recent stint in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), praising the young and experienced players for their impact and consistency throughout the tournament.
Speaking in a video shared on his Instagram account, Khawaja reflected on the talent he observed while representing Rawalpindis in PSL 11 and was particularly appreciative of Islamabad’s youngster Sameer Minas.
He praised the youngster’s fearless strokeplay, solid batting base and composure at the crease, while acknowledging the natural inconsistency that comes with playing T20 cricket at a young age.
“Samir Minas played for Islamabad and scored a half-century against us in Lahore. The guy hit them. The lad, I really think he’s a lovely player. He looks like he’s got really good pace. Like all these youngsters, he smashes them. He had a couple of good innings and a few misses,” but he also impressed young cricket. Khawaja said.
The left-handed batsman hailed Multan Sultans arrival Sahibzada Farhan for his explosive batting displays and remarkable consistency in domestic cricket, highlighting the opener’s ability to score big runs at a quick pace.
He said Farhan’s recent performances reflect a player with confidence and maturity.
“Sahibzada Farhan smashed them everywhere. He has scored so many hundreds in a very short period of time in the last few years. He knows how to score hundreds, he doesn’t do it slowly, he scores them quickly,” he said.
“He gets them at a strike rate of 150 every time. He has been impressive and a player at the top of his game. At 30, it seems like the right time for him to go out there and dominate international cricket as well. I really enjoyed his batting,” he added.
Talking about the emerging fast bowling talent in the PSL, he had special praise for young pacer Ali Raza, highlighting the youngster’s quick pace, smooth bowling action and ability to consistently trouble the batsmen throughout the match.
Khawaja noted that while many pacers in the PSL have impressed with their pace, Raza’s performances stood out due to his control, aggression and match-winning impact, including a memorable hat-trick during the tournament.
“Ali Raza was really hot. He kept bowling 150s and he is still a young player. I liked his run-up and his action. Everything was very smooth and then he came on. He even got a hat-trick in one game. He is very exciting and although few bowlers touch 150, he has really excelled in the PSL.
The 39-year-old veteran all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed was praised for his impressive performances during the tournament, highlighting Zalmi’s ability to reinvent himself and contribute at crucial moments.
He praised Iftikhar’s clever use of variations in the new ball and credited him for playing a decisive role in the team’s many victories, including their successful title-winning campaign.
“Iftikhar Ahmed has to be my favorite youngster. Cha-cha, how good was he? He reinvented himself by opening up the bowling and giving those brilliant variations with the new ball. He definitely won Quetta a few games and made a big difference in many matches. They won the final and the match at the end. So, love your bro.
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