Shakeel To Open, Amir To Lead Pace Attack; Quetta Gladiators' Probable XI vs Peshawar Zalmi

Quetta Gladiators Team [Source: @TeamQuetta/X]

Quetta Gladiators, the 2019 PSL champions, enter the 10th edition under captain Saud Shakeel, aiming to reclaim their throne. With a revamped squad blending explosive talent and seasoned campaigners, the Gladiators boast depth but face the challenge of optimizing roles.

Here’s their predicted XI for PSL 2025, designed to leverage strengths and mitigate weaknesses for the Gladiators for their crucial encounter against Peshawar Zalmi.

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Hasan Nawaz To Partner Saud Shakeel At The Top?

As captain, Saud Shakeel will anchor the batting order with his consistency at the top. His ability to rotate strikes and build partnerships makes him ideal for the top order building the foundation for the team's innings.

Hasan Nawaz will be an ideal player to partner up with Saud at the top. The young opener showcases aggressive intent and complements Shakeel with his ability to exploit powerplays and bring in that firepower to escalate the innings..

Mendis At 3, Chapman, Malik To Stabilize Middle Order

Kusal Mendis brings stability at No. 3 with his massive experience in T20s. His adaptability against spin-heavy middle overs is crucial. Rilee Rossouw's destructive batting makes him a key middle-order enforcer. His experience across global leagues adds firepower to Quetta’s lineup.

Shoaib Malik meanwhile, provides calmness in the middle order and finishing prowess. Malik’s ability to chip in with part-time spin adds balance to the XI.

Chapman, who was aggressive with the bat in his recent outings offers left-handed flair and versatility in the middle order, capable of accelerating during crunch phases.

Mohammad Amir To Lead Pace Unit

Mohammad Amir will lead the pace attack with his swing bowling in powerplays and experience in tight situations. He remains one of PSL’s most impactful bowlers.

Mohammad Wasim Jr.’s death-over expertise makes him indispensable for defending totals. His yorkers and variations are vital assets in high-pressure situations. Sean Abbott’s all-round abilities add depth to both bowling and lower-order batting. He’s known for his wicket-taking knack during death overs in franchise cricket globally.

Abrar Ahmed's mystery spin is crucial on Pakistan’s turning tracks, especially during middle overs where he can break partnerships effectively. In his 17 PSL matches, Abrar managed 22 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.81 and a strike rate of 17.7.

Quetta Gladiators Probable Playing XI

Saud Shakeel (C), Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (WK), Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Mark Chapman,  Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sean Abbott, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir

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