The ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is underway in full flow, and in the fourth match of the season, defending champions Lahore Qalandars will face off against Quetta Gladiators.
Lahore, led by Shaheen Afridi, suffered a defeat in their opening game, while Quetta started brightly with a convincing win.
Both teams boast quality players in their line-ups, and a packed crowd is expected at Gaddafi Stadium, with the home team eager to make a strong comeback. The match is scheduled for the night, promising an exciting contest.
Lahore Qalandars feature a star-studded unit with a team filled with match-winners. Sahibzada Farhan impressed in the first game, scoring a brilliant 57 off 36 balls. Fakhar Zaman is alongside him, and with Rassie van der Dussen, Abdullah Shafique, and David Wiese to follow, Qalandars possess a dangerous batting line-up.
Sikandar Raza is expected to join the team after missing the first game, making them an even stronger side. They also have quality in their bowling ranks with the pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan.
Although they faltered in the last game, failing to defend a target of 196, the reigning champions are expected to make a strong comeback.
Quetta Gladiators were impressive in their opening game against Peshawar Zalmi. The opening duo of Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel set the tone with a 157-run opening stand. While the middle order did not capitalise as much as desired, the presence of firepower in Rossouw and Sherfane Rutherford boosts their confidence for the upcoming game.
Sarfaraz Ahmed provides the experience and stability needed in crunch situations, and they hope that youngster Khawaja Nafay contributes as well. On the bowling front, Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed were the standout performers, with three wickets between them.
The team also boasts other match-winners like Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Wasim Jr., making them a team to watch out for.
Pitch report
Gaddafi Stadium's pitch is expected to be a belter and there would be plenty of fireworks with the bat, as we have seen in the two games on this ground so far. The batters can hit through the line and for the bowlers, must try to use their variations wisely. Chasing would be a preferred choice and we can expect another high-scoring encounter.
Probable Playing XIs:
Lahore Qalandars: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Rassir van der Dussen, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Lorcan Tucker (wk), David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (c), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Quetta Gladiators: Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Rilee Rossouw (c), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Sherfaine Rutherford, Mohammad Wasim, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed
Prediction
Both teams have an exciting arsenal in their ranks but Lahore Qalandars after the loss in the first game would be itching to get a win, and expect them to come out on top in front of their home crowd.
