Where do England’s David Willey, Tymal Mills and Chris Jordan rank among top 7 wicket-takers in PSL from overseas?
The Pakistan Super League had its first season in 2016, which means when it returns to action at the end of the week it will be heading into its tenth season.
It has proved to be a highly successful tournament, and while to some extent it exists in the shadows of the more lucrative IPL, it is still a prestigious event and one that has seen a host of overseas stars in action.
It is interesting to note that bowling success in the PSL is very much the domain of local players. In terms of leading wicket takers, the top ten bowlers are all Pakistani players.
Even the highest ranked non-Pakistani player was born in Pakistan before going on to qualify for another country. With this in mind, let’s take a look to see who are the most successful non-Pakistani bowlers to have turned out in the PSL…
7. Shane Watson (Australia)
46 PSL matches, 23 wickets, average: 26.60
While Watson made his name in franchise cricket primarily as a destructive batter, his medium pace bowling was consistently effective in the PSL.
Turning out for franchises like Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United, Watson often chipped in with crucial overs, particularly in powerplays or to break key partnerships. His economy may not have always stood out, but his knack for delivering in pressure moments made him a valuable all-round asset.
6. David Willey (England)
19 PSL matches, 28 wickets, average: 18.35
Despite not having played as many matches as others on this list, David Willey’s strike rate in the PSL is exceptional. The English left-armer has been lethal with the new ball, swinging it early on, and is also a handy death-overs bowler.
His average of 18.35 is among the best for foreign players in the league. Playing for Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars at various points, Willey’s left-arm angle and variation have proved tough to handle for batters.
5. Tymal Mills (England)
28 PSL matches, 34 wickets, average: 24.35
Tymal Mills has become a sought-after T20 specialist around the globe, and the PSL is no exception. Known for his sheer pace and deceptive slower balls, Mills has been especially dangerous at the death.
Representing franchises like Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings, he has delivered spells that turned matches around. Injuries may have hampered his consistency, but when fit and firing, Mills has been a force in PSL’s high-pressure contests.
4. David Wiese (Namibia)
53 PSL matches, 38 wickets, average: 31.57
Wiese, who qualified for Namibia after representing South Africa earlier in his career, has been a stalwart for the Lahore Qalandars. More often known for his late-order power-hitting, his medium pace bowling has provided vital breakthroughs over several PSL seasons.
He isn’t express quick but uses clever changes of pace and angles to disrupt batters’ rhythm. His all-round contributions were key to Lahore’s title win in 2022, and his longevity in the league speaks volumes.
3. Chris Jordan (England)
33 PSL matches, 40 wickets, average: 24.40
England‘s Chris Jordan has carved out a reputation globally for being a dependable death-overs bowler, and he’s replicated that form in the PSL. He has represented Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans, and regardless of franchise, his role has remained consistent – to bowl at the toughest times and contain the opposition.
His ability to bowl accurate yorkers under pressure and force false shots in the slog overs has made him one of the most bankable foreign pacers in PSL history.
2. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
28 PSL matches, 44 wickets, average: 15.47
A superstar wherever he goes, Rashid Khan’s Pakistan Super League stint has been predictably brilliant. The Afghan leg-spinner has baffled even the best batters with his speed, accuracy and deadly googly.
Turning out for Lahore Qalandars, Rashid has often bowled in all phases – powerplay, middle overs, and even at the death – with staggering success. His strike rate and average are unmatched among foreign bowlers, and his presence often forces teams to play out his four overs rather than take risks, thereby changing the dynamic of the game.
1. Imran Tahir (South Africa)
44 PSL matches, 56 wickets, average: 19.64
Born in Lahore but representing South Africa at international level, Imran Tahir tops this list as the most prolific non-Pakistani wicket-taker in PSL history. A master of his craft, Tahir’s mix of leg-breaks, googlies and clever flight has made him a constant threat. He played a key role for Multan Sultans, with many of his wickets coming during their rise as one of the top sides in the league.
Despite being in his forties, his energy and celebration style remained as youthful as ever, inspiring teammates and fans alike. His impact goes far beyond just numbers – Tahir has been one of the true entertainers of the league.