PSL 2023, QUE vs KAR: Preview, Prediction And Fantasy Tips
Karachi Kings have had a poor PSL 2023 campaign [Source: Twitter]
On Monday, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings will lock horns with each other in the 22nd match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League. It is a must-win game for both teams, as they are on the verge of elimination.
Team Preview: Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings have had a disastrous run in the tournament so far, reeling at the fifth position in the standings with five defeats in seven outings.
Imad Wasim will play a key role for Karachi Kings [Source: Twitter]
After being off to a poor start with three straight defeats, the Kings finally secured their first win of the season, crushing Lahore Qalandars by 67 runs in their fourth group-stage fixture.
However, unfortunately, they couldn't sustain their momentum and incurred three losses in their subsequent four face-offs.
While skipper Imad Wasim has been their lone warrior with the bat, the rest of their batting unit has let the Kings down in the tournament. Similarly, besides Mohammad Amir, none of their bowlers has struck at crucial junctures, leading to their debacle with the ball.
There have been some excellent individual performances, but the Kings have lacked team effort, precisely why they have been underwhelming in the PSL 2023.
Team Preview: Quetta Gladiators
Much like their counterparts, Quetta Gladiators' journey in the PSL 2023 has been nothing short of abysmal. Although they managed a win in their second game, their joy turned out to be short-lived, as they were crushed in five consecutive matches thereafter.
Considering their star-studded lineup, all we can say is the Gladiators haven't performed as per their potential. So, they will be desperate to seal a win and break their losing streak when they take on the Kings on Monday evening.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 6, 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 and favourable for the batters. The spinners might get decent assistance throughout the day. As teams chasing have won the previous two encounters, the toss-winner will likely bowl first.
Probable XIs
Quetta Gladiators: Yasir Khan, Will Smeed, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C/WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Najibullah Zadran, Umar Akmal, Odean Smith, Umaid Asif, Naveen-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah
Karachi Kings: Sharjeel Khan, Adam Rossington (WK), Tayyab Tahir, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim (C), Irfan Khan Niazi, Matthew Wade, Andrew Tye, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Tabraiz Shamsi
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Sarfaraz Ahmed, Matthew Wade, Umar Akmal
Batters: Shoaib Malik, Najibullah Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed
All-Rounders: Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz
Bowlers: Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Umaid Asif
Captain: Imad Wasim
Vice-Captain: Mohammad Nawaz
Prediction
Considering the kind of form both teams are in, we expect a cracking contest in this face-off. However, Quetta Gladiators seem slightly stronger on paper and will likely emerge victorious in this match.