PSL 2018: Eliminator 1 Preview, Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi: Battle to the entry gate of the final

The third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is currently underway and has entered the playoff stage. The Qualifier was played between Islamabad United and the Karachi Kings at the Dubai International Stadium. Despite Misbah-ul-Haq’s injury, the United cruised home by eight wickets and progressed to the final to be played at the Karachi National Stadium.

The tournament now moves to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore where the Peshawar Zalmi will lock horns with the Quetta Gladiators to stay alive in the tournament. Both teams have struggled in the tournament and have managed five wins in ten games each. Quetta and Peshawar have played a couple of games against each other and have won a game each.

However, the knock-outs are a different ballgame altogether and both teams have the firepower to outclass each other. Quetta, led by Sarfraz Ahmed, has had the experience of playing the playoffs in the erstwhile seasons of the league. However, the Zalmi, led by Darren Sammy, has won their previous couple of games, which is likely to keep them in good stead ahead of the tournament.

Peshawar Zalmi (Predicted XI): Kamran Akmal (wk), Riki Wessels, Dwayne Smith, Mohammad Hafeez, Saad Nasim, Darren Sammy (capt), Liam Dawson, Umaid Asif, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Sameen Gul

Quetta Gladiators (Predicted XI): Johnson Charles, Thisara Perera, Umar Amin, Mahmudullah, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Rilee Rossouw, Anwar Ali, Mohammed Nawaz, Hasan Khan, Rahat Ali, Mir Hamza

Team Combination

Peshawar Zalmi  

Peshawar Zalmi are highly unlikely to tinker with their winning combination after their wins against Lahore and Quetta. Kamran Akmal and Riki Wessels will be their openers followed by the belligerence of Dwayne Smith and the calmness of Mohammed Hafeez. Saad Nasim and the skipper Darren Sammy adds to their depth in batting.

The bowling lineup will be spearheaded by Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz who were instrumental for them with the leather. Umaid Asif has also been brilliant and will be one of their key players. Youngster Sameen Gul and veteran Sammy will also need to play their part in order for the Zalmi to topple the Gladiators.

Quetta Gladiators

Quetta are also predicted to not alter their lineup barring an odd change. Johnson Charles and Thisara Perera will be looking to give the last year’s finalists a blistering start. Umar Akmal has been inconsistent and will desperately need to fire. Kevin Pietersen has bid adieu to cricket and Mahmudullah might replace him after his national duties. Sarfraz Ahmed needs to lead them with the willow as well.

Rahat Ali, Anwar Ali are likely to shoulder the fast-bowling department. Mahmudullah’s off-breaks might come in handy for the Gladiators provided he takes part in the series. Mohammad Nawaz has been economical with his left-arm spin and will be required to churn out another decent spell of bowling in order for Quetta to progress.

Head to head

Played – 9 Peshawar – 4 Quetta – 4, NR/Tied- 1

Player to watch out for

Kamran Akmal (Peshawar Zalmi)

Kamran Akmal notched a magnificent double century against the Lahore Qalandars. The Lahore-born cricketer will be playing in front of his home crowd and expectations will be high from the wicketkeeper-batsman. It’s also an opportunity for the discarded Pakistan cricketer to bring himself in contention for a comeback to the national squad.

Match Timings

19:30 IST, 14:00 GMT

Broadcast Details

TV – D Sport