Matt Short IPL 2023 Review: Punjab Kings’ Power-Packed Top-Order Asset Australian opener Matt Short burst onto the IPL stage in 2023 with Punjab Kings, turning just 92 balls into 117 runs at a fiery strike rate of 127. Across six innings the right-hander peppered boundaries with 15 fours and four sixes, never letting the run-rate drop below a run-a-ball. His season-best 36 showcased the fearless approach that has made him a sought-after T20 specialist, and his 127 SR ranks among the highest for any debutant facing 90-plus deliveries last year. While primarily deployed as a pinch-hitting batsman, Short also rolled his arm over in three matches, conceding only 25 runs from four tight overs (economy 6.25) and keeping opposition batters guessing with subtle changes of pace. Although he is yet to claim his first IPL wicket, the control he offers gives Punjab Kings an extra bowling option on sluggish Indian tracks. With one season, one franchise and a growing reputation for quick runs, Matt Short has already stamped his identity as a 360-degree match-winner in the making. Expect bigger scores and more fireworks from the Punjab Kings opener when IPL 2024 rolls around.

Dwaine Pretorius IPL profile: South African all-rounder who proved his worth as a death-over enforcer for Chennai Super Kings in 2022 and 2023. Across seven bowling innings Pretorius claimed six wickets at an impressive strike-rate of 25.00 balls per scalp, twice striking twice in the same over to derail batting sides. Operating at a challenging economy of 9.52 on Chennai’s spin-friendly tracks, he still managed to keep the lid on totals when it mattered most. With the bat Pretorius showcased rare hitting power for a lower-order player, smashing three sixes and three fours in only 28 balls faced. His unbeaten 22 off 12 against Royal Challengers Bangalore remains his IPL high-water mark, finishing that cameo at a blazing strike-rate of 157 – the kind of late-innings acceleration MS Dhoni trusts. After two productive seasons in yellow, Pretorius has built a reputation as the reliable overseas seamer who can swing momentum with both ball and bat in the pressure cooker of IPL knockouts.

Note: This overview is partially generated using AI and is based on statistical data. Please verify with official sources for complete accuracy.