The Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans will conclude their PSL X group stages games on 18th May at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Match Preview:
The PSL X is moving towards the concluding season and this upcoming game would be a dead-rubber with just a matter of pride and testing fresh talents. Even before the halt, it was clear that Sultans won’t progress further in this season as they were the first team to get knocked out of the season. Moreover, it was also sure that Quetta would progress further as they ticked the qualified mark long ago.
For Multan, it is a matter of pride, they would look to finish on a positive note as their horrid campaign would finally come to an end. Mohammad Rizwan showed grit and determination at times but it wasn’t the case with his rest of the side as both bowling and batting department failed to put up an ideal show and of course fielding wasn’t up to the mark either.
It is expected that Multan would go with a different team in this last game as per Ali Tareen they are going to play their new signings, a spin bowler, Peter Hatzoglou, a pacer Madushanka, and Humayun Altaf are expected to play this final game of the season.
Talking about Quetta, they would try to test new combinations and of course they would not have much to worry about. Quetta has been a consistent and balanced team this season and if they win the last game, it would alarm the rest of the teams because it is not easy to beat a united and consistent team like Quetta. Moreover, they would be happy to get Usman Tariq back whose bowling action was reported earlier.
Pitch and weather report:
The flat fields, quick outfields, and short boundaries of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have already demonstrated their strengths. A batter’s heaven, to put it briefly. A high-scoring match is to be expected, especially with the sun shining.
It will also be hot. Player fitness and hydration tactics may be put to the test, especially for bowlers on second spells, as afternoon temperatures continue to remain over 41°C.
Probable Playing XI:
Multan Sultans:
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Aamer Azmat, Tayyab Tahir, Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Shahid Aziz, Dilshan Madhushanka, Peter Hatzoglou, Akif Javed, Ubaid Shah, Faisal Akram.
Quetta Gladiators:
Saud Shakeel (c), Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Usman Tariq, Khurram Shahzad.
Head-to-head record:
A total of 14 matches have been played, with Multan winning 9 and Quetta claiming victory in 5 games.
Prediction:
It is not hard to predict that Quetta is favourite to win this upcoming clash of the season, given how impressive they have been, and showed consistent performance throughout the group stages.
Where to watch:
Pakistan (TV): A Sports HD, PTV Sports
Pakistan (Live Streaming): tapmad, Tamasha, Daraz, myco, bogn
UK: Sky Sports, Geo News (Sky 734)
North America: Willow
Africa: SuperSport
MENA Region: myco
Bangladesh: T Sports
Sri Lanka & Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
Rest of the World: Sports Central
