PSL newsfile: Gohar relishes 'magic ball' to Sammy

The buzz around teenager Shaheen Afridi continues to grow. He first made a splash with an eight-for on first-class debut last year, and then followed it up with an impressive Under-19 World Cup. He hadn't made much of an impact in the PSL till Friday, when he took 5 for 4 to run through Multan Sultans and set up Lahore Qalandars' first win of the season.

"This is the first time I have played Twenty20 cricket," Afridi said. "That was the reason why I couldn't click in the earlier games." The 17-year old became the fifth youngest to take a five-for in T20s, and his effort was also among the most economical five-fors in T20 history.

Sultans coach Tom Moody was among those impressed by Afridi. "He is an exciting prospect, he is tall and has got some pace and will get quicker and has the spirit that I like. He is certainly one to look out for the future and to nurture."

Islamabad United spinner Zafar Gohar was thrilled with his three-wicket haul in his first game of the PSL season, a 26-run win over Peshawar Zalmi. He was even more delighted, as he has had an injury-scarred year, playing only a handful of domesic matches since last April.

"I have had a problem with my left shoulder, which I have had surgery on," Gohar said. "It's been a tough 6-7 months for my career. I'm feeling better now, there was some pressure on me but I had confidence in my skills and my hard work."

The highlight of his spell against Peshawar was the ball which dismissed opposition captain Darren Sammy, pitching on middle and turn away to take the outside of offstump. "In my opinion, the delivery to Sammy was a magic ball."

On Wednesday, the frequently injured Umar Gul took six wickets in his first match of the season. That didn't lead to more opportunities with Multan Sultans though, with a knee problem sidelining him. "Unfortunately Umar Gul's knee has quite considerable swelling but we are managing that," Sultans coach Moody said. "We are certainly hoping that as the tournament unfolds, he will be back and available for selection."