Babar Azam will lead Peshawar Zalmi (x.com)
The 2nd match of the Pakistan Super League(PSL) 2024 brings Peshawar Zalmi against Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Early matches in any competition are full of surprises, but fans can expect an exciting clash between these two teams. With Babar Azam leading Peshawar Zalmi and Rilee Rossouw captaining Quetta Gladiators, all eyes are on the Gaddafi Stadium for what promises to be an entertaining contest.
QUE Vs PES: Team Previews
Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi's batting strength lies in critical players like Babar Azam and rising star Saim Ayub, who showcased their dominance in the previous PSL season. With the possibility of Ayub partnering with Azam at the opening, supported by Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Rovman Powell, Zalmi's batting lineup appears formidable.
Regarding bowling, Aamer Jamal emerges as Zalmi's wrecker-in-chief, poised to challenge the opponents with his skill and ability. Despite finishing fourth in the 2023 PSL season, the Zalmi boast a rich history in the tournament, having reached multiple finals, including a title win in 2017.
Led by Babar Azam and guided by coach Daren Sammy, they enter the 2024 season with high expectations despite facing setbacks due to the late withdrawals of key players like Noor Ahmad and Lungi Ngidi.
Quetta Gladiators
Rilee Rossouw will lead Quetta Gladiators [X.com]
Quetta Gladiators are determined to bounce back after finishing at the bottom of the table in 2023, aiming to steer clear of that position this season. Despite only securing three wins in the previous season, they have a strong history in the PSL, having reached the final three times in the first four seasons and clinching the title in 2019.
While lacking the same depth in batting as their rivals, the Gladiators possess a formidable lineup with Jason Roy and Will Smeed opening, followed by captain Rilee Rossouw at three.
With Sherfane Rutherford adding strength to the middle order, the Gladiators boast match-winners, though Rossouw's recent form has been questioned. Their bowling attack, led by Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Hasnain, promises to challenge opponents with their skill and pace.
In a notable change, Rilee Rossouw has taken over the captaincy from Sarfaraz Ahmed for this season. At the same time, the Gladiators have faced only one withdrawal from their initial squad, with Wanindu Hasaranga opting out of the tournament.
QUE Vs PES: Match Details & Live Streaming
| Date and Time | February 18, 2:30 PM(IST) |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Live Streaming and Broadcast | Fancode App and Website |
QUE Vs PES: Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known for being flat and hard, making it easier for batters to play their shots. We anticipate a high-scoring match with teams aiming to score over 200 runs batting first, given the consistent bounce and good pace of the pitch.
QUE Vs PES: Probable Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Luke Wood, Aamer Jamal, Salman Irshad, Arshad Iqbal, Arif Yaqoob
Quetta Gladiators: Jason Roy, Sajjad Ali, Saud Shakeel (vc), Rilee Rossouw (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sohail Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Usman Qadir
QUE Vs PES: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicket-keepers | Mohammad Haris |
| Batters | Babar Azam, Jason Roy, Saim Ayub, Rilee Rossouw |
| All-Rounders | Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Luke Wood |
| Bowlers | Salman Irshad, Aamer Jamal, Salman Irshad |
| Captain | Babar Azam |
| Vice-Captain | Aamer Jamal |
QUE Vs PES: Winner Prediction
Expect a close contest between the two teams. Despite this, with Babar Azam on their side, Peshawar Zalmi is the favourite to win this Sunday. Anticipate a thrilling and high-scoring encounter in Lahore, with both teams eyeing victory and Babar Azam likely to play a pivotal role in leading Peshawar Zalmi to success.
 "Sumit Gupta")
