PSL 08, Lahore vs Peshawar: Preview, Prediction, Live Score & Fantasy Tips
Lahore Qalandars sit at the top of the points table [Source: Twitter]
On Tuesday, Peshawar Zalmi will have an uphill task in front of them, as they will take on the table-toppers Lahore Qalandars in the 23rd match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League season.
While the Qalandars have sealed a berth in the knockouts, the Zalmi will look to keep their playoff chances alive by winning the fascinating encounter.
Team Preview: Lahore Qalandars
As expected, Lahore Qalandars have had a dream run in the PSL so far, being the first team to enter the playoffs.
They got off to an early setback, succumbing to a 67-run defeat against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in their second group-stage fixture. However, their comeback has been nothing short of exceptional, as they have secured five successive victories since then.
While Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique have starred with the bat, skipper Shaheen Afridi has made the opponent batters dance to his tunes, getting ample support from Rashid Khan, Haris Rauf and David Wiese.
So, moving on to this face-off, the defending champions would like to continue their dominating run and consolidate their top position in the standings.
Team Preview: Peshawar Zalmi
On the contrary, Peshawar Zalmi have had a topsy-turvy journey in the PSL 2023 so far. Led by Babar Azam, the Zalmi have been patchy on the field, leading to their underwhelming outing in the tournament.
Although their batting unit has done decently, the bowlers have let the Zalmi down in the tournament, conceding almost 198 runs per innings on average.
So, the likes of Wahab Riaz, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Azmat Omarzai must buckle up and fine-tune their skills to challenge Lahore's formidable lineup.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 7, 02.30 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
Lahore Qalandars: Mirza Tahir Baig, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (WK), Husain Talat, Shaheen Afridi (C), Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris (WK), Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Haseebullah, Rovman Powell, Aamer Jamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Wahab Riaz, Arshad Iqbal, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Sam Billings, Haseebullah
Batters: Abdullah Shafique, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam
All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Azmatullah Omarzai
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Haris Rauf
Captain: Fakhar Zaman
Vice-Captain: Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Prediction
Although the Zalmi have a decent batting lineup, the Qalandars have a far superior bowling unit and hence will emerge victorious in this match.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
