Aamir's hat-trick, Gayle's duck: Unforgettable moments from PSL 2016

PSL's inaugural edition was unforgettable, thanks to these moments.
Published February 7, 2017

Last year, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) proved to be a treasure trove of unforgettable moments. Here's a glimpse of all the spectacles that made the tournament one to remember.

Mohammad Aamir's hat-trick

It came as an absolute surprise. Mohammad Aamir taking his first ever hat-trick at the PSL 2016 was one of the most precious moments of the tournament.

Aamir, who had freshly made a come back to international cricket, was desperate to prove his worth. Cricket fans, too, were hungry to see him obliterate his opposition - and so he did.


Quetta qualifying in the first play-off

All eyes were on Quetta Gladiator's Aizaz Cheema, whose task it was to defend his team against one run on the last ball of the match. The Gladiators managed to squeeze the match in their favour. Sarfraz Ahmed's celebration dive, too, was quite unforgettable.


Sharjeel's crucial century

With this smooth hit, Islamabad United's Sharjeel Khan not only reached his century (on 50 deliveries), but also lofted his team through to the PSL final.


Gladiators chase 202

In the eighteenth match of the tournament, Lahore Qalandars were facing off against Quetta Gladiators. The last ball of the match came as a full pitched delivery, a little outside the off stump. Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi swung the willow awkwardly, somehow managing to score a boundary over point. With that, a mammoth 202 run chase came to an end and the celebrations began.


Asghar's 'big hands'

When Wahab Riaz tactfully got the batsman to hit one up in the air, Mohammad Asghar was perfectly positioned to take the catch. He over-shot his mark a little, but eventually flipped backwards to take a blinder, getting rid of Sam Billings.


Gayle's duck

When the PSL announced Chris Gayle's inclusion in the league, a seismic wave of excitement ran across cricket fans in Pakistan. When the big man finally walked out on the field, the atmosphere in the stadium was tense.

Surprisingly, Pakistani pacer Juniad Khan cleaned Gayle right up on his very first delivery. This marked the beginning of a rather turbulent tournament for the West Indian powerhouse.


Boom-Boom's five-wicket haul

It is no secret that on a good day, Afridi can be unstoppable. On one such day in Sharjah, Shahid Afridi, Peshawar Zalmi's captain, demolished the Quetta Gladiators batting line-up by taking five wickets.


Gentlemen's game?

For a brief moment at the electric Sharjah cricket stadium, Ahmed Shahzad and Wahab Riaz lost the plot and had a slight on-field altercation. In this two-ball affair, Shahzad first smacked a steaming Wahab for a huge six down the ground.

On the very next ball, Wahab bowled Shahzad out on a slower delivery. The slight scuffle that followed was a spectacle. The two players buried the hatchet soon after.


Biggest six of the tournament

The biggest six of the tournament was hit by Khalid Latif, who launched Mohammad Asghar for a 108 meter hit.


Islamabad United's winning moment

A calm Misbah-ul-Haq flicks the ball past mid-wicket for a single; enough to crown Islamabad United as champions of the inaugural season of the Pakistan Super League.

What is in-store for cricket lovers in this year's PSL? The second season of PSL, starting on Feb 9 will have fans glued to their TV screens in a bid to witness more unforgettable moments.


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