Islamabad United have won the toss and elected to bat first against Quetta Gladiators in the 13th match of the Pakistan Super Leagues’ eighth season at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.
Gladiators are looking to find much-needed momentum in the match against United as both teams are entering this game with contrasting fortunes.
The Gladiators were thumped by the Lahore Qalandars a few days ago, whereas Islamabad romped home to a six-wicket victory yesterday against Peshawar Zalmi.
It would also be interesting to see how the Gladiators, whose bowling attack has come under the scanner, reacts to Islamabad's strong batting line-up. Yesterday, Islamabad coasted to their target inside 15 overs, with Asif Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rassie van der Dussen starring.
Islamabad United will look to carry their winning momentum while Quetta Gladiators aim to bounce back.
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 24, 2023
Who will emerge victorious?#SabSitarayHumaray | #HBLPSL8 | #QGvIU pic.twitter.com/dlb1hnjONb
The Gladiators have the likes of Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah but need some more support from those around them.
Islamabad also seem to have a better-rounded bowling attack, making them slight favourites for tonight. But as we have already seen in the PSL this season, that usually does not count for much.
Quetta direly need a resurrection at this stage if they aim to find a place in the playoffs.
Gladiators’ main area of concern is their batting which completely failed to click in all four matches they have played so far.
After being skittled out by Multan Sultans for just 110 in their opener, Gladiators were never seen to be an effective batting unit.
United have given debut to Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi.
.@fazalfarooqi10 receives his ISLU Cap from @rummanraees15.#ISLUFamily welcomes him on his debut!#UnitedWeWin pic.twitter.com/eq7ck6rSUB
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 24, 2023
Squads
Quetta Gladiators XI: Jason Roy, Will Smeed, Martin Guptill, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Odean Smith, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Aimal Khan, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain
Islamabad United XI: Colin Munro, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rassie van der Dussen, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mubasir Khan, Hassan Ali, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abrar Ahmed