Saim Ayub Excluded? Peshawar Zalmi's Probable XI Vs Lahore Qalandars

image-lt01s5wcPeshawar Zalmi is coming on the back of a thrilling win (AP Photo)

Peshawar Zalmi clinched their maiden victory of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season, narrowly defeating the unbeaten Multan Sultans by a margin of 5 runs in the Match 9 of the tournament on Thursday.


Peshawar Zalmi opened their account with a win over Multan Sultans

This win has sparked a new momentum within the team as they prepare to face Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming Match 12 of PSL 2024  on Sunday, February 25, in Lahore. 

The focus now shifts to Peshawar Zalmi's team dynamics and player performances, particularly those of Saim Ayub and the team's batting order, as they counter the early stages of the tournament.

Saim Ayub, a prominent figure at the top of the order for Peshawar Zalmi, has been under the scanner due to his lacklustre performance in the last two matches, managing to score only 7 and 0, respectively. 

Despite the concerns surrounding his form, it is expected that Ayub will retain his spot in the playing XI. The team lacks a suitable replacement for the left-handed opener, making his inclusion a strategic necessity despite his recent struggles.


His partnership with captain Babar Azam, who has been in stellar form with 171 runs in three matches, making him the second-highest scorer of the PSL 2024 so far, will be crucial for setting a solid foundation for the innings.

The middle-order lineup sees Haseebullah Khan, who delivered a sensational performance in the last match with a quickfire 37 off 18 balls, asserting himself as a vital cog in the team's batting machinery. 

Mohammad Haris, despite his current form slump, will continue his role as the wicketkeeper-batsman at No. 4, suggesting the team's faith in his abilities and potential for a turnaround. 

The finishing responsibilities will be shouldered by Paul Walter and Rovman Powell, batting at positions five and six, respectively, providing depth and firepower towards the innings' climax.

The finishing stages of the innings show the importance of Asif Ali, Paul Walter, and Luke Wood, with the latter being adjudged the 'Player of the Match' in their last outing. 

Naveen-ul-Haq, who played a big role in securing the win for Peshawar in the nail-biting final over of the last match, is set to spearhead the bowling attack along with Wood and Walter. 

The bowling department will be further bolstered by leg-spinner Arif Yaqoob and Salman Irshad, both of whom have proven their wicket-taking abilities in the last game.


Peshawar Zalmi's Probable XI Vs Lahore Qalandars

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Paul Walter, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Luke Wood, Naveen-Ul-Haq, Salman Irshad, Ariq Yaqoob.