Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings are set to take lock horns in the 22nd match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on Wednesday.
The Kings have struggled to find their rhythm this season, securing only 2 wins out of 6 matches, placing them 5th on the points table. To secure a spot in the playoffs, they must win all their remaining games to aim for a top 2 finish.
Batting-wise, the team has struggled, with captain Shan Masood averaging only 17.5 in 6 matches, alongside inconsistent performances from Tim Seifert, James Vince, and Leus du Plooy. The return of top scorer Kieron Pollard for the next match will be pivotal for the team's fortunes.
While Shoaib Malik and Irfan Khan have shown glimpses of form, the seam attack led by Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza has remained formidable. However, the absence of specialist spinners poses a concern for the Kings' bowling unit.
On the other hand, apart from their defeat to Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators have had a commendable season in the PSL 9 so far, currently holding second place in the standings with a comfortable 5-point lead over their nearest rival, enhancing their playoff prospects.
Jason Roy has been a consistent performer at the top, amassing 200 runs at an average of 40.00 with two half-centuries. His partnership with Saud Shakeel is expected to provide solidity. The middle order boasts power hitters like Rilee Rossouw, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Sherfane Rutherford, who showcased his finishing skills with a vital 58-run innings in the previous game.
Quetta's spin bowling department, spearheaded by Abrar Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, and Usman Tariq, has been impressive. Abrar Ahmed leads the team's wicket charts with 10 dismissals. However, the pace attack appears slightly thin, with Mohammad Wasim Jr. emerging as the sole impactful bowler.
Pitch Report
The Pindi Cricket Stadium is renowned for its balanced pitches, offering opportunities for both batsmen and spinners to thrive. Initially, the new ball favours batsmen, especially during the powerplay overs. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, benefiting spinners who can exploit variations and turn. Nonetheless, the chasing team may find success at this venue.
Predicted Playing XIs
Quetta Gladiators: Rilee Rossouw (c), Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sohail Khan, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed
Karachi Kings: Shan Masood (c), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Shoaib Malik, Leus du Plooy, Mohammad Nawaz, Irfan Khan, Hasan Ali, Zahid Mahmood, Mir Hamza, Blessing Muzarabani
Prediction:
Given Quetta's recent form and the balance in the team, Rossouw's men remain clear favourite to win the match.