RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and chose to field first against Lahore Qalandars in a crucial match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The match carries high stakes, as the winner will clinch the final playoff spot, while the loser will be knocked out of the tournament.
Head-to-head record
Historically, Peshawar Zalmi holds a slight edge over Lahore Qalandars in PSL encounters. Out of 21 matches between the two teams, Zalmi has won 12, while Qalandars have emerged victorious in 8, with one match ending in a tie.
Recent form
Peshawar Zalmi’s recent performance has been inconsistent. They suffered a 23-run defeat against Karachi Kings on May 17, conceding 237 runs while bowling first.
However, they have shown resilience in previous matches, including a notable 7-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars on April 24, where Babar Azam led the chase with a fluent 56 off 42 balls.
Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, have had a mixed run in the tournament. They currently have 9 points from 9 matches and are in a must-win situation to qualify for the playoffs.
Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, has been formidable, and they will be crucial in today’s high-stakes match.
Key players to watch
Captain Babar Azam was the consistent performer with the bat in the last match. Saim Ayub has also contributed significantly, scoring 218 runs in head-to-head matches against Lahore.
Fakhar Zaman has been a standout batsman, while Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the bowling department with 17 wickets in matches against Zalmi.
Given the recent form and the strength of their bowling attack, Lahore Qalandars might have a slight advantage in this do-or-die match.
However, Peshawar Zalmi’s batting line-up, led by Babar Azam, cannot be underestimated. The outcome will likely depend on which team’s key players perform under pressure.
