LAHORE, Pakistan: Quetta Gladiators won the toss and elected to bowl first against Lahore Qalandars in the 21st match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Both teams are in strong form, making this encounter a crucial one in the race for the playoffs.
Current form and standings
Lahore Qalandars have been impressive this season, securing four wins out of seven matches. Their 88-run victory over Islamabad United boosted their confidence and placed them second on the points table with eight points and a net run rate (NRR) of +1.110.
Quetta Gladiators, after a shaky start, have bounced back with three consecutive wins. They currently sit third on the table with eight points from six matches and an NRR of +1.034.
Head-to-head record
The rivalry between these two teams is evenly matched. Out of 18 encounters, Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators have won nine games each. In their last meeting earlier this season, Lahore Qalandars dominated, posting 219/6 and restricting Quetta to 140, winning by 79 runs.
Key players to watch
Fakhar Zaman has been in stellar form, amassing 258 runs this season. Daryl Mitchell has also contributed significantly with 238 runs in seven matches.
Captain Saud Shakeel leads with 173 runs. The team will also rely on experienced players like Rilee Rossouw and bowlers such as Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed to make an impact.
Given their current form and home advantage, Lahore Qalandars are slightly favoured to win this match, with a 54% chance compared to Quetta Gladiators’ 46%. However, Quetta’s recent winning streak suggests they are capable of pulling off an upset.