Punjab Kings’ stars have produced several eye-catching performances in different parts of the world during this week. Here we take a look at some of the top performances from our PBKS players in our weekly round-up:

Sikandar Raza - 62*(30) & 3/12 vs Harare Hurricanes

Punjab Kings star Sikandar Raza once again showcased his impressive all-round skills in the inaugural Zim Afro T10. Representing Bulawayo Braves, Raza led from the front with both bat and ball to power his side to a comprehensive 49-run victory over Harare Hurricanes in the Zim Afro T10 2023 opener at the Harare Sports Club. Put in to bat, Bulawayo Braves rode on Raza’s blitzkrieg unbeaten 61 off 30 balls to post 128/9 in their 10 overs. Raza’s swashbuckling fifty was laced with four fours and five sixes. Later, the Zimbabwean all-rounder bagged three wickets for just 12 runs in his two overs to help restrict Harare Hurricanes to 79/9 to secure a dominant victory.

Arshdeep Singh - 3/58 vs Essex

Arshdeep Singh has grabbed the headlines with another brilliant spell of fast bowling in the ongoing County Championship. Punjab Kings’ left-arm pacer picked up three wickets for Kent in the first innings against Essex. Arshdeep dismissed Robin Das,  Essex captain Tom Westley and Paul Walter to finish with figures of 23-4-58-3. With another three wickets in his tally, the 24-year-old has claimed 11 wickets in four matches for Kent in County Championship Division One. Despite Arshdeep’s dazzling performance, Kent suffered a seven-wicket loss at County Ground in Chelmsford. 

Jonny Bairstow - 99*(81) vs Australia

England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow produced an outstanding counter-attacking knock against Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. Bairstow slammed an unbeaten 99 off just 81 balls to help England post 592 all out in their first innings. Having clobbered 10 fours and four sixes, Bairstow later remained stranded one run short of a memorable Test hundred. Bairstow’s brilliant knock helped England register a first innings lead of 275. Rain later played spoilsport as no play was possible on Day 5, leaving England trailing 2-1 in the five-match Test series. As the fourth Test ended in a draw, Australia retained the Ashes.

Matthew Short - 43 (35) vs Los Angeles Knight Riders

Punjab Kings all-rounder Matthew Short has stolen the limelight with his scintillating performances in the inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC). Playing for Washington Freedom, Short scored a match-winning 43 off 35 balls against Los Angeles Knight Riders at Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina. Chasing a target of 176, Short forged a brilliant 68-run opening stand with wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous to put his side in a great position. He later stitched crucial partnerships with Mukhtar Ahmed and Glenn Phillips to help Washington Freedom secure a six-wicket win. In MLC 2023, Short has already amassed 144 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 127.43.

Harpreet Brar - 26 (13) & 1/35 vs Trident Stallions

Harpreet Brar shone with both bat and ball in the ongoing Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup 2023. Representing Royal Phantoms, Brar led from the front as he scored 26 off just 13 balls against Trident Stallions. Earlier, Brar bagged the important wicket of Nehal Wadhera to finish with figures of 4-0-35-1. Despite Brar’s impressive all-round performance, Royal Phantoms went down to Trident Stallions by 19 runs.

Gurnoor Brar - 2/28 vs Royal Phantoms

Punjab Kings’ young pacer Gurnoor Brar has continued his outstanding run in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cup 2023. Playing for Agri Kings Knights, Gurnoor scalped two wickets for 28 runs against Royal Phantoms to help his side secure a 15-run victory. The 23-year-old has claimed seven wickets in eight matches at an economy of 8.34. 

Image Courtesy: England Cricket