This past Sunday, was the Pakistan Super League Final between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United. The match was held in Karachi, the city of lights to a packed stadium of more than 5000 people brimming with enthusiasm and passion for the return of International Cricket in Karachi after 9 years.

In a city gripped by continuous terrorism, it was a refreshing event for the people of Karachi to travel to the National Stadium to witness the match between the two cities. People dressed in their teams official shirts were seen holding placards and banners. There was a general air of euphoria.

“A few years ago, no one could imagine that this could happen in Karachi, a city that consecutively bled for years,” said a cricket fan Fahad Ibrar Khan. “This is the real Karachi, the city of lights and the government and law enforcers should maintain this.”

In the spirit of the game, we have collected 10 Best PSL Memes that fans posted during the match and went viral.

1. This very short and precise comparison of Islamabad United VS Peshawar Zalmi.

2. When the people of Karachi got trolled for the notorious mobile snatching incidents. Personally, people are still a little wary of using expensive mobiles in the streets of Karachi but the situation has overall improved by a lot.

3.  When people really really related to Shahdab Khan’s nostalgic signature review when he was bowling to Umaid Asif.

4. When Sheeda Tali got downright Sheeda Savage replying to this young match viewer on Twitter

Image Credit: Sarcasmistan5.  When someone from the awaam got downright brutally honest about his opinion on what “entertainment” looks like

6. When defying all odds, these “Burger Boys” from Islamabad came up with inspiring message of peace and encouragement of cross border participation.

7. When Islamabad United started their innings and Ronchi was knighted by the capital city

8. When Kamran Akmal proved who he was related to and broke the internet.

9. When at the end of the match someone took Shahid Afridi’s words to heart and did this

10. When Islamabadi’s were caught partying hard and celebrating their win in this super accurate and relatable AF meme.

With just a couple of days away from the launch of the third edition of Pakistan Super League, stakes couldn’t be higher. A domestic league that gifted us with the brilliance of Shadab Khan, class of Fakhar Zaman and excellence of Ruman Raees, PSL has been more than just a game for cricket fans who have been deprived of regular international matches on home soil for almost a decade. Every year, PSL delivers beyond its expectations and this year when the league will feature one more team and more home matches, excitement is surely bound to get doubled. As the clock ticks, let’s look at 5 players to watch out for in PSL 2018.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

From Wasim Akram to Muhammad Amir, Pakistan has a long history of producing left arm pacers but only a few of them were able to make their mark in international cricket. Based on his recent performance in Under 19 World Cup, Shaheen Shah Afridi has potential to be the spotlight of the upcoming domestic league. The 17-year-old will be representing Lahore Qalandar and is definitely to watch out for.  

Saud Shakeel

A classy southpaw, 22-year-old Saud Shakeel occupies a spot on the Quetta Gladiators roster. At first glance, he looks like a cross between legendary openers Saeed Anwar and Amir Sohail, while his premeditated shuffle in the crease might evoke the memory of a certain Salman Butt. While those certainly are lofty comparisons, few can deny that Shakeel is a natural talent — a first-class average of 43.17 and an even better list A average of 47.58 are a testament to that. Granted, the youngster has been found wanting in the T20 format so far, but he has time and opportunities on his side to atone that teeny-tiny blemish on his otherwise impressive CV.

Imran Tahir

There is always a tinge of irony whenever Imran Tahir features as a foreign player with reference to Pakistan, whether it’s the PSL or the ICC World XI. But there’s no questioning South African leggie’s stature as among the very best in the game. Among the international elites, Imran Tahir is arguably the highest profile foreign player in the PSL. And Multan Sultans would be relying heavily on his spin and guile – not to mention the infectious passion he brings – to make their mark in their debut season.

Carlos Braithwaite

In the current captain of the West Indies T20 side, the man who hit four consecutive sixes in the final over to win the World Cup for his side, Quetta Gladiators have an explosive all-rounder who can win them any game with the bat, and can do a good job with the ball as well.

Runners-up in both PSL seasons so far, the Gladiators have relied on their top order in the first two seasons have lacked that big hitter down the order.

They might have precisely that in the shape of Carlos Braithwaite, who might be the differential that helps Quetta go one step further.

Usman Khan Shinwari

The left arm fast bowler Usman Khan Shinwari’s impressive run in international cricket hit an unwanted break after the pacer suffered a back injury but he is back in the game now. Shinwari has now recovered well enough and is back to bowling and he will be seen in action at the upcoming third edition of Pakistan Super League, with his left arm orthodox bowling style, serious pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, he can turn up to be a surprise for other five teams.

If you’re as excited as we about Pakistan Super League 2018 then head over to our YouTube channel!