Cricket
Ranking the Teams: PSL Net Run Rate
Sportsboom has ranked the PSL’s best tames in terms of net run rate.
Image Credit: Multan Sultans X Account
Calculating the points table and ranking the sides based on the run rate of Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams has been one of the most error-free methods. The Net Run Rate (NRR) method in international cricket started during the 1992 ODI Cricket World Cup and it has since been an adopted metric in all competitions. Consequently, when the PSL commenced in 2016, it adopted similar parameters to determine its league standings before proceeding to the playoffs.
In cricket, the concept of Net Run Rate (NRR) is predominantly utilized in limited-over formats such as ODIs, T20Is, and T10 matches. The definition of NRR is straightforward—it represents the disparity between a team's average run rates for scoring runs and conceding them. The "Net" in NRR signifies the difference between these two rates.
Therefore, NRR serves as a valuable metric for assessing a team's overall performance in a tournament or series concerning both scoring and conceding runs. Similarly, in the PSL, NRR is utilized as a tool to rank teams as the league stages progress. As one of the most fiercely contested T20 tournaments globally, the PSL showcases intense competition where any team can triumph over another. Consequently, the race for the playoffs in the PSL is often characterized by high stakes and intense rivalries.
Below is the 2024 season points table based on the PSL all team’s run rate.
Ranking the Teams: PSL Net Run Rate
Pos | Teams | Played | Wins | Lost | No Results | Points | NRR |
1 | Multan Sultans | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 1.15 |
2 | Peshawar Zalmi | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 0.147 |
3 | Islamabad United | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 0.224 |
4 | Quetta Gladiators | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 11 | −0.921 |
5 | Karachi Kings | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8 | −0.192 |
6 | Lahore Qalandars | 10 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 3 | −0.554 |
Multan Sultans (NRR: 1.15)
The PSL run rate 2024 table was dominated by Multan Sultans, who won seven of their 10 games to finish with 14 points in the group stages. Captained by Mohammad Rizwan, the Sultans went on to score 1870 runs in the league stages, while conceding 1651 runs in the process. They were the only side to end the PSL 2024 points table with a net run rate of over 1.
Peshawar Zalmi (NRR: 0.147)
The second-best team in PSL 2024 was Peshawar Zalmi, who sat behind Multan Sultans in the points table. They won six of their 10 league matches and finished with 13 points before the playoffs started. Led by former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, the Zalmis scored 1649 runs having batted 180 overs in total and conceded 1594 runs in the process. They ended their league stages with a net run rate of 0.147.
Islamabad United (NRR: 0.224)
The eventual champions of the PSL 2024 and the last of the three sides to end the league stages with a positive net run rate, Islamabad United sat third after 10 league games. They won just five of their 10 games and accumulated only 11 points. Captained by Shadab Khan, the side managed to qualify for the playoffs from third place courtesy of a positive NRR while finishing on the same points as Quetta Gladiators. ISU scored 1568 runs in 175.3 overs in 10 games and conceded 1552 runs.
Quetta Gladiators (-0.921)
The only side in the playoffs to qualify with a negative run rate, Quetta Gladiators also won 50% of their league games with a tie coming against Islamabad United that was abandoned. Led by New Zealand’s Rilee Rossouw, the Gladiators had an underwhelming season for the batters as they managed to score the lowest amount of runs (1382 runs) amongst all teams competing in PSL 2024. Consequently, their net run rate nosedived into negative although the side qualified for the playoffs courtesy of good bowling displays by Abrar Ahmed (16 wickets) and Akeal Hosein (15 wickets) throughout the tournament.
Karachi Kings (-0.192)
The second-worst team of PSL 2024, Karachi Kings could win only four games this season, having lost to Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators and twice against Islamabad United and Multan Sultans. Shan Masood’s side finished the season with eight points in the fifth position. They managed to score 1557 runs and conceded 1634 runs to end with a negative net run rate of -0.192.
Lahore Qalandars (-0.554)
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Lahore Qalanders had one of the most forgettable seasons ever in tournament history, where they managed to win just one match out of the 10 that they played. After a solo win against Islamabad United and an abandoned game against Peshawar Zalmi, the Qalandars went on a six-game losing streak, which is still less than the Karachi Kings’ eight-game losing streak in PSL 2022. Surprisingly, Lahore still scored more (1585 runs) than fourth-placed Quetta in their tally of 10 league games.
FAQs
Which team has the highest score in PSL history?
The highest score in PSL history belongs to Multan Sultans, who tallied 262 runs against Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2023.
Which is the most successful team in PSL history?
The league has run for nine seasons. With three titles, Islamabad United is the most successful team. The only team to win in 2023 and successfully defend their championship is Lahore Qalandars.
Which team had the highest PSL run rate in 2022?
Multan Sultans had the highest PSL run rate in 2022 as they advanced from first place with 18 points and a net run rate of 1.253. They had won nine of their 10 league matches.
An M.A. in English Literature, Subhayan is an experienced journalist and sports writer. Having worked as a journalist at Hindustan Times, Subhayan covered diverse beats including sports, education, and health, showcasing his versatility and in-depth understanding of various subjects.