PSL 2023, LQ vs QG: Preview, Prediction And Fantasy Tips
All eyes will be on Shaheen Afridi [Source: Twitter]
On Thursday, Lahore Qalandars will take on Quetta Gladiators in the eighteenth match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League.
This will be a crucial game for the Gladiators, as they are desperately searching for a win to break their losing streak.
Team Preview: Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars had a fabulous start to their PSL 2023 campaign, securing a narrow one-run win over Multan Sultans in the tournament opener. But soon they were brought back on the earth by their arch-rivals Karachi Kings, who crushed them by 67 runs.
However, the Qalandars have made a remarkable comeback, recording three consecutive clinical victories since then. After drubbing Quetta Gladiators by 63 runs, Shaheen Afridi's troops steamrolled Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United by whopping margins in their subsequent encounters.
While Fakhar Zaman has silenced his critics with the bat, skipper Shaheen has wreaked havoc in the opponents' camp with his sensational seam bowling. So, moving on to this clash, Lahore Qalandars will aim at consolidating their top position with another resounding victory.
Team Preview: Quetta Gladiators
On the contrary, Quetta Gladiators have had a miserable run in the tournament, occupying the bottom position with four defeats in five matches.
Despite incurring a demoralising nine-wicket defeat in their first game, they were quick to turn things around, pipping Karachi Kings by a mere six-run margin in the next encounter.
However, they have failed to sustain their winning momentum, suffering three successive defeats since then.
So, they will be keen to get back to the winning track by forcing an upset in this face-off.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 2, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV
Pitch Report: The surface at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been a high-scoring one this season, with the home side breaching the 200-run mark on both the occasions. So, we can expect the track to be a batters' paradise, with decent help for the spinners. As teams defending have won both the games, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first.
Probable XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Mirza Tahir Baig, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (WK), Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Quetta Gladiators: Will Smeed, Martin Guptill, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Odean Smith, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Aimal Khan
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Sam Billings
Batters: Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique
All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Mohammad Hafeez, Odean Smith
Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Rashid Khan
Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi
Vice-Captain: Iftikhar Ahmed/Fakhar Zaman
Prediction
Lahore Qalandars look more balanced on paper. They are in sublime form and will likely emerge victorious in this match.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
