Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, Match Preview
With the Pakistan Super League spicing up, there is a lot more at stake for sides in each game. The Lahore Qalandars squandered an easy chase when they collapsed while going after a target of 152. They are currently second on the points table and are almost certain of a playoff spot, but the defeat will undoubtedly play on them. The game against Islamabad United showed that they lacked conviction. The side dominated in both innings but allowed their opposition to come back, which has ruined the game for them.
On the other hand, the Quetta Gladiators are currently last with just one win in seven games. Mathematically, they are still not out of the tournament. A string of successes can help them progress, but the side hasn’t put together performances to bring them wins. The batting has struggled, as they haven’t been able to get decent scores, and the bowling has been expensive in the last two games. They conceded 197 against Peshawar and allowed Islamabad to complete a chase of 133 in ten overs. The bowling was off, and the batting was stuck in the 130s on both games.
Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, Team News
The Quetta Gladiators have been affected by injuries throughout the UAE leg. They lost two of their critical overseas players due to concussions, and their returns are uncertain. The first to get concussed, Andre Russel was subbed out for Naseem Shah against Islamabad and sat out as a precaution against Peshawar. His condition is still uncertain, but it may be safe to assume his absence in the upcoming game. On the other hand, Faf Du Plessis suffered a freak injury while fielding and went to the hospital in between the game. He had minor memory loss but is getting better. He may be out for a few more fun as well, which adds to the Gladiator’s misery.
After dominating most of the match, the Qalandars seemed good but couldn’t close out the other night. Despite the defeat, the way the game went may suggest they go with the same side. The bowling has been good, with Faulkner and Shaheen Shah Afridi consistent upfront. Rashid Khan has been brilliant throughout, barring an off-day against United, and Haris Rauf also looks good. The batting seems fine, with the top-order doing well, but a bit of support from the middle-order may help.
Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, Predicted XIs:
Quetta Gladiators:
- Usman Khan
- Saim Ayub
- Jake Weatherald
- Cameron Delport
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK)
- Azam Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Khurram Shehzad
- Zahid Mahmood
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Zahir Khan
Lahore Qalandars:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Sohail Akhtar
- Muhammad Faizan
- Mohammad Hafeez
- Ben Dunk
- Tim David
- James Faulkner
- Rashid Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Ahmed Daniyal
Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, Players to Watch out for:
Rashid Khan
The Afghanistan leg-spinner has been brilliant in the Pakistan Super League so far, barring the game against Islamabad. He went for 36 runs at an economy of nine, and the spinner will undoubtedly be unhappy about that. Rashid Khan will certainly make amends for a below-par performance and be expected to come back strong in the next match.
Sarfaraz Ahmed
With the team staring at elimination, suffering from injuries, and needing a boost, Sarfaraz Ahmed may be the best answer to their problems. The captain has been in various situations with Pakistan, and his experience could come to the fore here. With a lot at stake, the Sarfaraz could step up to help bring some life into his side’s competition.
Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, Pitch Report
The pitch seems balanced, with teams winning while defending and chasing. There has been equal assistance to both batters and bowlers, and dew hasn’t come into play yet. However, it is only a matter of time before the pitch starts to show signs of wear and begins to turn. With all the games played on the same ground, the rise is likely to assist spinners soon.
