PSL 2016 Final Preview: Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United clash to determine the inaugural champion

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has its two final contenders. Quetta Gladiators will clash with the Islamabad United for the coveted trophy. Both teams look highly inspired to win the trophy. The Quetta Gladiators were just as good the favorites of the tournament, as Peshawar Zalmi. The Gladiators finished second in the league stages just because of the lower NRR. However, they proved to be better than the favorites on the important day after they beat them in a thriller by 1 runs in the first qualifier.

The Islamabad United, on the other hand, had a bumpy ride in the league stages but pulled up their socks at the right time to make it to the final. Everyone hoped for a rematch of between Quetta and Peshawar Zalmi. But a spectacular team performance by Islamabad saw them advance to earn a bid at the trophy. They have found form and done well in the last two qualifying matches and would like to prevail over their challengers to grab the champions tag.

Quetta Gladiators:

The problem with consistency seems to have found a respite. Both their overseas stars played match-defining knocks and proved why they are called as big match impact players. Ahmed Shehzad, the leading run-getter for them in the tournament, would be one important factor. He might have failed in the last game but has done well in the rest of the tournament.

The middle order needs to be vigilant about their role and must contribute if they wish to lay their hands on the trophy. Their spin dominated bowling attack has also been outstanding. Mohammad Nawaz, last match’s hero with the ball will try to emulate his show again. Fast bowlers Aizaz Cheema and Anwar Ali will have to continue their good work.

Islamabad United:

Their journey to the final would have certainly given the Islamabad side lot more strength as they overpowered the strong Peshawar team in the second qualifier. Dwayne Smith may have had an off day in the previous game but can explode anytime. Sharjeel Khan looks determined to rout the opposition after smashing a match-winning century in the last qualifier. Brad Haddin is also in form. Overall, their batting appears to be fully charged, waiting to have a go against the opposition.

The bowling attack is expected to be the same. The pace duo of Mohammad Sami and Mohammad Irfan were economical and effectively choked Peshawar team who were chasing a big total. Samuel Badree was also at his usual best while Imran Khalid would like to replicate the career best performance he gave in the last qualifier. All these factors make the Islamabad United team a highly worthy contender of the final.

Probable XI

Quetta Gladiators:

Bismillah Khan, Ahmed Shehzad, Kevin PIetersen, Kumar Sangakarra, Sarfraz Ahmed (C), Mohammad Nawaz, Grat Elliot, Nathan McCullum, Anwar Ali, Zulfiqur Babar, Aizaz Cheema

Islamabad United:

Dwayne Smith, Sharjeel Khan, Brad Haddin, Khalid latif, Andre Russell, Misbah ul Haq (C), Asif Ali, Samuel Badree, Imran Khalid, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Sami