Low-scoring games

It is difficult to ignore the bowler-friendly nature of Dubai’s pitch that has kept teams from scoring sizable totals. Of the eight games that have been played so far, only on two instances have the scores crossed 160.

The highest first-innings score so far has been 179 by Multan Sultans against Lahore Qalandars in the third match, while Zalmi’s 176 against Islamabad United in the fourth game stands at number two.

One reason for this is the Dubai pitch that has offered a lot of help to the bowlers, especially spinners.

The captains have been banking on their spin options to take wickets and restrict runs, and quite successfully so, as seen in some superb spells by Imran Tahir, Umaid Asif and Shahid Afridi.

It is hoped that the Sharjah leg will give us some high-scoring contests.

The importance of the Decision Review System

The Decision Review System (DRS) has been introduced for the entirety of the league this year and has proven to be a decisive tool.

This was a much-needed change following last season's questionable umpiring that provoked much debate about the overall standard of the league.

So far this season, 18 decisions have already been challenged and six of them have been revoked. It can be foreseen that the DRS will become more integral and valuable to the teams as the tournament progresses and the stakes get higher.