Azam Khan has enjoyed stellar success in PSL 2023 [Source: Twitter]
On Sunday, Islamabad United will take on Quetta Gladiators in the 21st match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League.
This is a must-win game for the Gladiators, as they have already incurred five defeats in six matches.
Team Preview: Islamabad United
Islamabad United have had a fair run in the PSL 2023, placed third with four wins in six appearances. They had a topsy-turvy start to their campaign, as they lost to Multan Sultans by 52 runs immediately after securing a four-wicket win in their first game against Karachi Kings.
However, they were quick enough to turn things around, recording three convincing victories in their subsequent four fixtures.
While Azam Khan has starred with the bat, Hasan Ali and Tom Curran have weaved their magic with the ball. However, skipper Shadab Khan has let the United down and will be keen to step up for his side in this clash.
Team Preview: Quetta Gladiators
On the contrary, Quetta Gladiators have had a disastrous journey in the PSL so far, occupying the bottom spot with five defeats in six matches.
Will Smeed will play a key role for Quetta [Source: Twitter]
Despite having a decent squad, they have underperformed on both batting and bowling fronts. Apart from Mohammad Hasnain, none of the Gladiators' bowlers has lived up to the expectations.
Similarly, their batting unit has been marred by inconsistency, something they should resolve quickly to change their fortunes in the showpiece event.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 05, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV and FanCode
Pitch Report: The surface in Rawalpindi traditionally remains flat, with marginal assistance for spinners on it. There have been two successive high-scoring games at the venue this season. So, we expect a similar game on Sunday, with the toss-winner likely to chase.
Probable XIs
Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Faheem Ashraf, Azam Khan (WK), Asif Ali, Shadab Khan (C), Tom Curran, Mubasir Khan, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees
Quetta Gladiators: Yasir Khan, Will Smeed, Martin Guptill, Mohammad Hafeez, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C/WK), Odean Smith, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Naveen-ul-Haq
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Azam Khan
Batters: Iftikhar Ahmed, Alex Hales, Will Smeed, Rassie van der Dussen
All-Rounders: Shadab Khan, Odean Smith, Mohammad Nawaz
Bowlers: Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali, Tom Curran
Captain: Alex Hales
Vice-Captain: Azam Khan/Tom Curran
Prediction
The kind of form Islamabad United are in, we expect them to continue their winning run and edge past the Gladiators in this face-off.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
