The second match of the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be played between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators on 12th April in Rawalpindi Stadium.
Match Preview:
Peshawar and Quetta will reignite the oldest rivalry when they face each other in the upcoming game at Pindi Stadium.
Peshawar Zalmi had a strong showing in the last edition of the Pakistan Super League, making it all the way to the Playoffs. However, their journey ended in Eliminator 2, where they were knocked out by Islamabad United.
Babar Azam led the charge with the bat, finishing as Zalmi’s top scorer with an impressive 569 runs. On the bowling front, Luke Wood was the standout performer, claiming 12 wickets.
Zalmi are known for their explosive batting lineup. With power hitters like Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, and Najibullah Zadran in their ranks, they have no shortage of firepower. However, their bowling attack remains a concern, and that could be the deciding factor in whether or not they reach the Playoffs again.
A lot will depend on the batting lineup, particularly Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris, and Saim Ayub. Expectations from Mitchell Owen will be high as well—he was the highest run-scorer in the Big Bash League 2024/25, amassing 452 runs at an average of 45.20 and a strike rate of 203.60. Bowlers like Alzarri Joseph and Mohammad Ali will also have a key role to play.
Quetta Gladiators had a solid campaign in the last edition of the Pakistan Super League. They managed to secure a spot in the Playoffs but were eliminated by Islamabad United in Eliminator 1.
Saud Shakeel was the standout with the bat, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 323 runs. On the bowling side, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed led the charge with 16 wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker for Quetta.
This season, Quetta Gladiators boast a well-rounded and exciting squad featuring talents like Finn Allen, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Rilee Rossouw, and Akeal Hosein. With this blend of youth and experience, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make another strong push for the Playoffs.
For Quetta, players like Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay will play a key role. Among the bowlers, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq will be their trump cards. And how can one forget Akeal Hosein, who will be a force to reckon with in the powerplay, he has picked up the most T20 wickets in the powerplay phase since the start of 2024.
Probable Playing XI:
Quetta Gladiators:
Finn Allen, Kusal Mendis (WK), Saud Shakeel (C), Mark Chapman, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Kyle Jamieson, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr
Peshawar Zalmi:
Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (WK), Mohammad Haris, Najibullah Zadran, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Arif Yaqoob, Nahid Rana
Pitch and weather report:
The weather in Rawalpindi is expected to be bright and comfortable, with a temperature of about 26 degrees and a 25% chance of rain. Again, chasing might be the wisest course of action due to second-inning moisture and moderate humidity. The pitch will probably be level and true at first, giving batsmen pace and bounce, although it may later benefit bowlers a little bit, especially cutters and spinners.
Head-to-head record:
In the past, Zalmi has outscored Gladiators 13–10 in their head-to-head matchup. Regarding Rawalpindi specifically, they have a 2-1 advantage in their last three games.
Prediction:
Given Zalmi has a strong head-to-head record, they are expected to win the upcoming game of the tournament.
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
India (Linear TV): Sony Sports Network
India (Digital): FanCode
Sri Lanka & Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
Rest of the World: Sports Central
