Islamabad United's 97: Highest Powerplay Score in PSL

Starting strong when the field restrictions are in place remains the priority for every batting side in a T20 tournament. Hence, a team successfully exploiting the powerplay overs in a high-octane tournament like the Pakistan Super League most often runs away with a win. The best example of that is Islamabad United’s whopping 97-run feat against Quetta Gladiators in 2021, which remains the highest powerplay score in PSL history.

Highest Powerplay Score in PSL: Top 5 list

Islamabad United vs. Quetta Gladiators: 97 runs | PSL 2021

Islamabad United's extraordinary performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) shattered the previous record for the highest powerplay score. They amassed a remarkable 97 runs in the first 6 overs while chasing a small target of 134 runs. Openers Usman Khawaja and Colin Munro led the charge, displaying aggressive batting from the outset. Munro, in particular, showcased his prowess with 67 runs off just 24 balls, including 10 boundaries and 3 sixes, at an astonishing strike rate of 279.

The onslaught began early, with Munro dispatching boundaries right from the opening over. The carnage continued as the boundaries flowed freely, reaching 54 runs without loss by the end of the fourth over. However, it was in the final overs of the powerplay that the onslaught intensified, with Quetta’s Khurram Shahzad bowling consecutive no-balls in the fifth over, which Munro capitalized on with ruthless hitting. Quetta Gladiators struggled to contain Munro's onslaught, conceding 22 runs in the final over of the powerplay. Islamabad United's dominant display showcased their batting prowess and set a new benchmark for powerplay scores in the PSL.

Multan Sultans vs. Quetta Gladiators: 91 runs | PSL 2023

In this high-scoring match, Multan's blistering start resulted in the second-highest powerplay score in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, which eventually proved to be decisive. Usman Khan emerged as the primary aggressor for Multan, smashing 66 runs off just 25 balls during the powerplay.

Initially, Multan's innings had a steady start, scoring 18 runs without loss from the first 12 deliveries of the powerplay. However, Usman Khan soon shifted gears, unleashing an onslaught that began by striking four boundaries off the third over from Aimal Khan, followed by another 17 runs in the fourth over alongside Rizwan. Despite Naveen-Ul-Haq's efforts to contain the scoring in the fifth over, Multan reached an impressive 64 runs without loss with one over of the powerplay remaining.

Quetta Gladiators sought to halt Multan's momentum by introducing Qais Ahmed, but their plans were thwarted as Usman Khan launched a brutal assault. Usman hammered Qais for three sixes and two fours in an over that cost 27 runs. Consequently, Qais Ahmed finished with figures of 2 for 77 from his four overs. 

Quetta Gladiators vs. Peshawar Zalmi - 88 | PSL 2023

In an exceptional display of explosive batting, Quetta Gladiators achieved a remarkable victory over Peshawar, surpassing their formidable total of 240 with an astonishing 10 balls to spare. This feat was largely attributed to Jason Roy's stupendous innings, which propelled his team to one of the highest powerplay scores in PSL history.

Facing the daunting task of scoring at a rate of 12 runs per over from the outset, Quetta's batting approach was clear - attack aggressively or risk falling short. Jason Roy wasted no time in setting the tone, unleashing a trademark shot through the off-side for a boundary off his very first ball. Meanwhile, Martin Guptill signaled his intentions with a towering six off the second delivery, kickstarting Quetta's powerplay with an emphatic 15 runs from the opening over.

A captivating duel ensued between Martin Guptill and Wahab Riaz, with the Kiwi batsman plundering 14 runs off Wahab's first four balls before succumbing to a return catch. However, Wahab's jovial gesture of offering a kiss and a hug to Guptill as he departed the field was met with mixed reactions.

Jason Roy's innings reached greater heights when he was given a lifeline after being dropped on 24 in the following over. Capitalizing on this opportunity, the English opener blazed his way to a half-century from just 22 balls, culminating with a towering six off Arshad Iqbal in the final over of the powerplay. Roy's spectacular knock ultimately propelled Quetta to a memorable victory, with his contribution of 145 runs standing as a testament to his batting prowess.

Islamabad United vs. Quetta Gladiators - 81 | PSL 2022

With a formidable top three comprising Alex Hales, Paul Stirling, and Colin Munro, it came as no surprise that Islamabad United found themselves among the teams with the highest powerplay scores in the PSL.

During this particular match, it was the Irish batsman Paul Stirling who stole the show early on, crafting a blistering half-century off just 23 deliveries within the powerplay. Meanwhile, Alex Hales provided crucial support, unleashing five boundaries in a quickfire 22 off just nine balls.

The stellar performance by this opening pair in the powerplay set the stage for Colin Munro to launch a devastating assault, as the left-hander piled on 72 runs. Their collective effort propelled Islamabad United to a formidable total of 229 runs in their allotted 20 overs, leaving Quetta Gladiators with a daunting task who eventually fell short by 43 runs.