Top 10 players who have taken the most ducks in PSL for Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi, one of the most successful and popular franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has always been known for their aggressive batting style, strong top order and presence of star players. The team has given the audience many great matches, where the tendency to score quick runs and play big shots is always seen. However, in this fast-paced format of T20 cricket, not only successes but also moments of failure are equally important and a normal part.
In this format, batters have to take risks with every ball, as the pace of the match is very fast and maintaining a scoring rate is very important. As a result, batsmen often get out quickly when playing big shots or if they are not careful against the new ball. This type of outing is called a “duck” in cricket, meaning going back to the pavilion without scoring any runs.
Such incidents are very common in an attacking team like Peshawar Zalmi, as they always take risks to win matches. So getting a duck is not the ultimate test of a batsman's skill, but rather a natural reflection of the pressure, pace and competition of T20 cricket.
Most Ducks – Peshawar Zalmi (PSL)
10. Liam Dawson
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L.A. Dawson | 2018-2020 | 24 | 19 | 363 | 2 |
England all-rounder Liam Dawson bats in the middle order, but the two ducks next to his name indicate some innings inconsistency. He usually plays for the team as a balanced all-rounder, where his main role is to bowl and, when necessary, add important runs lower down or in the middle order with the bat. However, in the fast-paced environment of T20 cricket, this batting position is often under pressure.
The innings are often difficult when you move down to the middle order—the pressure to increase the run rate, the limited time to get set up as a new batsman, and the variation in bowlers all add to the risk. That's why Dawson has two ducks. While this isn't a huge problem, statistically it shows that he hasn't been equally successful in every match.
Still, his all-round skills, especially his consistent contribution with the bowling, make him an important part of the team. So it would be unfair to judge his overall performance by ducks alone.

9. Imam-ul-Haq
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imam-ul-Haq | 2019-2021 | 22 | 22 | 542 | 2 |
Despite being a technical batsman, Imam-ul-Haq has conceded two ducks under the pressure of T20, highlighting the inherent uncertainty of the format. He is usually known for his calm and steady batting style, where he prefers to take his time building his innings and rotate his strikes. However, in T20 cricket, conditions change much more quickly, and the pressure on batsmen to score runs from the start is immense.
Batsmen often face tough challenges when playing against the new ball in such conditions. The swing, bounce and aggressive fielding setup of the pacers make it difficult to play big shots without getting set, which increases the risk. Imam-ul-Haq has also had some quick dismissals in such matches, which has resulted in two ducks added to his name.
However, this is not a reflection of his overall ability, as he is a reliable top-order batsman capable of playing long innings and batting steadily for the team.
8. Shoaib Malik
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Malik | 2020-2022 | 33 | 32 | 1033 | 2 |
Despite his experience, Shoaib Malik has two ducks to his name, which clearly indicates the unpredictability of T20 cricket. He is a very experienced batsman who has been performing consistently in international and franchise cricket for a long time. His role in the middle order is usually to stabilize the innings, handle pressure situations and score quick runs when needed.
However, in T20 cricket, every match is different, and even a minor misjudgment or bad luck can get a batsman out. Malik has also had some early wickets in some matches, which has resulted in two ducks being added to his name.
Yet this does not diminish his experience or skill. Rather, it shows that even big players face constant challenges in this format. His ability to read the match and handle pressure is what still establishes him as a vital middle-order batsman.

7. Hazratullah Zazai
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazratullah Zazai | 2021-2022 | 12 | 12 | 382 | 2 |
As an aggressive opener, Hazratullah Zazai is capable of playing big innings, but his batting style always carries the risk of getting out quickly. He likes to put pressure on the bowlers from the start of the innings and plays with the aim of scoring more runs in the powerplay. Because of this, his shot selection often becomes risky.
Playing against the new ball is one of the toughest tasks for openers in T20 cricket, as the pace, swing and bounce all pose challenges for the batsman. In Zazai's case, this aggressive mentality has earned him quick runs in many matches, while in some matches he has also lost wickets for a small number of runs.
But on the positive side, when he is set, he can single-handedly turn the tide of the match. His ability to hit big sixes and score runs quickly has made him a dangerous opener. So his quick dismissals should not be seen as a weakness, but as a natural part of his aggressive batting style.
6. Liam Livingstone
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Livingstone | 2020-2022 | 12 | 11 | 147 | 2 |
Despite being a world-class power hitter, Liam Livingstone's two ducks are a result of his aggressive and risky batting style. He is a devastating batsman in T20 cricket, capable of changing the course of a match with very few balls. His ability to hit big sixes and score runs quickly has made him one of the most feared middle-order batsmen in the world.
However, there is an inherent risk in such aggressive batting. He often tries to play big shots from the start, which can lead to quick wickets if his timing is not perfect or he falls for a good delivery. This is why he has 2 ducks in his statistics.
But this is not a negative testament to his overall ability. Rather, it shows that he always tries to score quick runs for the team, even at the risk of doing so. His match-winning ability and power hitting skills have established him as a world-class T20 batsman.

For more historic stats and milestones, check out our complete cricket records section
5. Shaheen Afridi
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | 2016-2017 | 20 | 15 | 264 | 2 |
Big hitter Shahid Afridi, despite being dismissed quickly in many matches, has also played match-winning innings in many matches, which makes him stand out as a special player in T20 and limited-overs cricket. His batting style has always been very aggressive, where he likes to play big shots from the first ball. Because of this, he has often lost wickets quickly and failed to score big scores.
But on the positive side, when he was in rhythm, he could turn the tide of a match with a few balls. His power hitting and quick run-scoring ability were always a threat to the opposition bowlers. Even in pressure situations, he did not shy away from playing bold shots, which often brought victory for the team.
This is why Afridi cannot be judged solely by his failures. His career shows that even in the midst of risky batting, great success can be achieved, if one has the skill and confidence.
4. Kamran Akmal
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamran Akmal | 2016-2022 | 75 | 74 | 1972 | 8 |
Kamran Akmal is considered one of the most important batsmen in Peshawar Zalmi history, but his 8 ducks in his career are a remarkable statistic. He has been batting for the team opening or at the top of the order for a long time, scoring quick runs in many matches and has provided a solid foundation for Zalmi's batting lineup. His experience, strokeplay and attacking opening ability have established him as a reliable batsman for the team.
However, due to the inherent uncertainties of T20 cricket, he has sometimes been out on the first ball or with very few runs, which has added 8 ducks to his name. The risks are high when playing against the new ball in the Powerplay, and an aggressive batting style increases that risk even more.
Yet his overall contribution, big innings and match-winning performances are what set him apart as an important batsman in Zalmi history. So it's not fair to judge his career by ducks alone.

3. Wahab Riaz
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahab Riaz | 2016-2023 | 88 | 54 | 359 | 10 |
Wahab Riaz is primarily a bowler, but his 10 ducks to his name in batting have put him at the top of this list. He has been the main fast bowler for Peshawar Zalmi for a long time and has played a vital role in everything from taking wickets with the new ball to managing pressure at the death overs.
He usually comes down to the lower order when batting, where innings conditions are often difficult and the pressure is on saving wickets or adding some runs quickly rather than scoring runs. In these situations, he has often been dismissed quickly while playing aggressive shots or facing tough balls, resulting in 10 ducks.
However, this does not diminish his key role in any way. His performance as a bowler has led the team to more wins than any other. So these batting figures are a reflection of the uncertainties and situational pressures of T20 cricket, not his overall ability.
2. Babar Azam
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 2023-2026 | 36 | 36 | 1591 | 3 |
Despite being a world-class batsman, Babar Azam has three ducks to his name, proving that no one is completely safe in T20 cricket. He is known for his consistency, technique and strokeplay, and is one of the best batsmen in the world. He has built up runs with patience and skill from the start of the innings to the end, and has provided a solid foundation for the team in many matches.
However, the uncertainty of the T20 format is such that at any time a batsman can choose the wrong shot or be unfortunate enough to fall victim to a good ball. The powerplay against the new ball is fraught with the risk of losing wickets quickly due to aggressive fielding and bowling pressure. In Babar's case, he has also been out early in some matches, which has added 3 ducks to his tally.
Yet this in no way diminishes his remarkable career or skills. Rather, it shows that even the greatest players in T20 cricket face constant challenges and every innings is a new test.

1. Mohammad Haris
| Player | Span | Along with | Inns | Runs | Ducks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Haris | 2022-2026 | 41 | 40 | 981 | 3 |
Mohammad Haris's aggressive batting style is the reason behind the three ducks next to his name, which is a reflection of his risky but effective game. He is known as an explosive batsman in T20 cricket, who likes to put pressure on the bowlers from the start. He often tries to play big shots to score quick runs in the powerplay, which gives him the opportunity to change the pace of the match.
However, a natural consequence of this aggressive mentality is sometimes losing wickets quickly. He has been dismissed for ducks when playing against the new ball or due to poor timing, which has added three ducks to his tally. The high pressure of the T20 format and the need for quick decision-making have increased this risk.
Yet on the positive side, the same style has made him a match-winner in many matches. His ability to score big runs off a few balls has made him a very important batsman for the team.
Why do Zalmi team have more ducks?
1. Aggressive batting culture
Zalmi always plays attacking cricket, so the risk is high.
2. Top-order pressure
The pressure to score runs in the Powerplay is very high.
3. All-rounders batting lower in the order
Bowlers like Wahab Riaz also bat.
Key Insights
- Kamran Akmal and Wahab Riaz top the duck list
- Big name Babar Azam also has a duck
- Aggressive batting = higher risk
- T20 cricket unpredictable by nature
Conclusion
In the history of Peshawar Zalmi, a “duck” has never been considered the ultimate measure of a player’s failure. Rather, it highlights the reality of T20 cricket, where every batsman has to take risks to score quick runs. This risk-taking mentality often leads to ducks, which is a natural part of the game.
Players like Kamran Akmal, Wahab Riaz and Babar Azam have shown that a duck or two cannot belittle their overall contribution. Akmal has scored quick runs in many matches, Wahab Riaz has mainly bowled the team to victory but has also fought with the bat when needed, and Babar Azam has carved out a place for himself in world cricket with his consistency and class.
So the real assessment of the Zalmi team is based on big innings, match-winning performances and consistency. A duck is just a momentary failure, which happens often in this high-stakes format.
FAQs
Q1: What is duck in PSL?
When a batsman is out for 0 runs, he is called a duck.
Q2: Who has the most ducks for Peshawar Zalmi?
Wahab Riaz (10 ducks)।
Q3: How many ducks does Babar Azam have?
৩টি duck।
Q4: How many ducks has Kamran Akmal scored?
৮টি duck।
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