PSL week 1 roundup: Umar Akmal, Rahat Ali top the charts

After four action-packed days of cricket and nothing but cricket, the Pakistan Super League is on a two-day break and has already given us some unforgettable performances and hilarious moments to cherish.

Here are the highest run scorers from week 1 of PSL action:

1. Umar Akmal

The ongoing edition of PSL has seen Quetta Gladiators’ Umar Akmal rise from the ashes to make a case for his selection in the national team once again.

The 28-year-old leads the batting charts with 119 runs from two matches at a brilliant strike rate of 152.56. 

His highest score of 75 not out came against Peshawar Zalmi on February 15, where he took just 50 balls to power his team to a six-wicket win and bag the Player of the Match award. 

2. Babar Azam 

Babar 'Bobby Prince' Azam, the number one ranked T20I batsman in the world, is the second-highest scorer with 105 runs at a strike rate of 108.24. 

He had a blistering start to his PSL 2019 campaign with 77 runs from 59 balls against Multan Sultans on February 15. 

Together with Liam Livingstone, he contributed to an opening partnership of 105 -- the highest ever for Karachi Kings. 

3. Shane Watson 

Shane Watson is number three on the batting charts with 100 runs at a formidable strike rate of 142.85

His blitzkrieg 81 runs from 55 balls propelled Quetta Gladiators to a seven-wicket win over Islamabad United on February 17.  

And these are the leading wicket-takers from week 1:

1. Rahat Ali 

Lahore Qalandars' pick Rahat Ali is a quiet and unassuming fellow, but he is also the top wicket-taker with eight wickets from three matches to his name so far, at an economy of 5.79.

His 4 for 29 against Islamabad United in the PSL opener went in vain, but his remarkable consistency turned heads when he bagged 3 for 19 against Karachi Kings and took 1 for 9 against Peshawar Zalmi. 

2. Wahab Riaz 

PSL's most successful bowler is back, without a moustache but with an imaginary sword. He is the second highest wicket-taker with five wickets from two matches at an economy of 4.88.

Wahab Riaz took 3 for 17 for Peshawar Zalmi against Lahore Qalandars in the February 17 fixture. 

3. Hasan Ali 

Hasan Ali dismantled Lahore Qalandars' batting with 4 for 15 to become the next best bowler with a total of five wickets at an economy of 5.62.

Watch him bowl out 'Mr 360' AB de Villiers here:

More action, more performances to follow, come this Wednesday. Stay tuned.