PSL 08 Qualifier 1, LAH vs MUL: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XI, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
Lahore Qalandars topped the group-stage standings [Source: Twitter]
On Wednesday, two top-tier teams, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans will take on each other in the first qualifier of the ongoing Pakistan Super League. While the Qalandars topped the group-stage with 14 points to their name, the Sultans occupied the second spot with six wins in ten outings.
Team Preview: Lahore Qalandars
As expected, the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, had a dream start to their PSL 2023 campaign, managing six wins in their first seven fixtures. However, their recent form is not encouraging, as they have incurred two defeats in their last three matches.
So, moving on to the all-important qualifier, the Qalandars would like their key players- Abdullah Shafique, Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza and Haris Rauf- to step up and guide them to the final.
Team Preview: Multan Sultans
On the other hand, Multan Sultans, who had a topsy-turvy start to the tournament, have peaked at the right time, coming off two clinical successive wins over Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.
Besides Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan has starred with the bat, while Ihsanullah and Abbas Afridi have emerged as potential threats for the opposition with the ball.
Although defeating Lahore could be an uphill task for them, the Sultans should back themselves, as they have been no less than absolute champions on the field so far.
Match Details
Date and Time: March 15, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV, FanCode App
Pitch Report: The surface in Lahore traditionally favours the batters and spinners, with minimal assistance for the seamers on it. However, as teams batting first have won all matches at the venue this season, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first.
Probable XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Sam Billings (WK), Sikandar Raza, Husain Talat, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Rilee Rossouw, Tim David, Kieron Pollard, Khushdil Shah, Usama Mir, Anwar Ali, Abbas Afridi, Ihsanullah, Sheldon Cottrell/Izharulhaq Naveed
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Sam Billings
Batters: Kieron Pollard, Rilee Rossouw, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman
All-Rounder: Sikandar Raza
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Abbas Afridi, Ihsanullah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Captain: Fakhar Zaman
Vice Captain: Abbas Afridi
To check live score, click here.
Prediction
Considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon Lahore Qalandars will emerge victorious in this match and proceed to the final.
 "Debashis Sarangi")
