Who are the 3 England stars among the top 8 run-scorers in the PSL for overseas players?
The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League is set to start on Friday 11 April when champions Islamabad United host Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Since the PSL was first staged in 2016, it has featured many fantastic cricketers.
As is the case with many franchise leagues around the world, when teams spend money to attract big-name overseas players, they tend to spend on batsmen rather than bowlers.
While it is hard work looking for successful non-Pakistani bowlers amongst the names on the list of PSL’s highest wicket-takers, when it comes to batting it is entirely different – there have been plenty of excellent players from outside of Pakistan who have shone in the league.
Let’s take a quick moment to look at the non-Pakistani batsmen who have scored the most runs in PSL history…
8. Luke Ronchi (New Zealand)
31 PSL matches, 1,020 runs, average: 36.42
Luke Ronchi was a revelation in the PSL during his stint with Islamabad United, bringing an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket to the top of the order.
Known for his explosive starts and ability to dismantle bowlers within the powerplay, Ronchi played a crucial role in Islamabad’s 2018 title-winning campaign.
Though he only featured across three seasons, his impact was immediate and memorable, making him one of the most effective overseas openers the league has seen.
7. Kieron Pollard (West Indies)
53 PSL matches, 1,149 runs, average: 38.30
Pollard’s PSL journey has taken him through multiple franchises including Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Peshawar Zalmi. As always, his ability to clear the boundary and finish games with calm authority made him a valuable asset.
His average of 38.30 is the highest on this list, reflecting his consistency despite the finisher’s role often involving high-risk situations. Pollard’s experience and presence in the dressing room added value far beyond the numbers.
6. James Vince (England)
45 PSL matches, 1,166 runs, average: 27.76
James Vince’s elegant stroke play has been a regular feature in the PSL, particularly in the colours of Multan Sultans. While his average is modest compared to others on this list, his contributions at the top have been pivotal in setting strong platforms.
His cover drives and timing have often lit up PSL games, and when in form, Vince is capable of dominating any bowling attack. He’s a trusted top-order option with a good blend of aggression and composure.
5. Alex Hales (England)
44 PSL matches, 1,180 runs, average: 29.50
Alex Hales has been one of the most dynamic overseas batters in the league, most notably for Islamabad United. His reputation as a high-impact opener is well established and he has regularly delivered quick starts and match-turning innings.
Hales brings a fearless attitude and the ability to clear the field with ease, which has made him a fan favourite. Despite missing some seasons due to availability issues, his contributions remain significant and consistent.
4. Jason Roy (England)
38 PSL matches, 1,260 runs, average: 36.00
England‘s Jason Roy’s attacking approach and ability to dominate from ball one make him one of the most thrilling batters in T20 cricket, and his PSL career reflects that.
Representing Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars, Roy has produced some remarkable innings, including one of the fastest centuries in the league’s history.
His average of 36 is impressive for an opener who consistently looks to attack early and take the game away from the opposition.
3. Shane Watson (Australia)
46 PSL matches, 1,361 runs, average: 32.40
A towering figure in the early years of the Pakistan Super League, Shane Watson was a key part of Quetta Gladiators’ rise, including their 2019 title-winning campaign.
Often batting at the top, Watson combined power with experience, and his ability to anchor or accelerate as needed made him one of the most dependable overseas stars.
His contributions weren’t limited to batting either – Watson also chipped in with the ball during his early seasons, making him a true all-round package.
2. Colin Munro (New Zealand)
47 PSL matches, 1,417 runs, average: 32.95
Munro has been one of Islamabad United’s most consistent performers in recent years. The left-hander brings a unique blend of brute force and finesse, which allows him to be equally effective against pace and spin.
His ability to dominate in the powerplay and maintain a high strike rate has made him a fixture at the top of the order. With several match-winning innings under his belt, Munro continues to be a key foreign player in the league.
1. Rilee Rossouw (South Africa)
84 PSL matches, 2,015 runs, average: 31.98
South Africa‘s Rossouw leads the pack as the highest run-scorer among non-Pakistani players in PSL history. A long-serving member of the Multan Sultans and now also part of Quetta Gladiators, Rossouw has been a mainstay in the PSL’s middle order.
He’s known for his explosive power and ability to hit spinners and pacers alike. His ability to shift gears mid-innings makes him particularly valuable, and his consistency across multiple seasons has elevated him to elite status.
Reaching the 2000-run mark is testament to his longevity and effectiveness in one of the world’s top T20 leagues.