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TogglePeshawar Zalmi takes on the Quetta Gladiators in match 2 of PSL 2024 in Lahore on Sunday, February 18. The match starts from 2.30 pm IST and is the first of the two games to be played on the day. Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings play match 3 from 8 pm IST.
The PSL 23024 season kickstarted on February 17 with a game between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. Islamabad chased down almost 200 and won the game by 8 wickets.
The PSL 2024 season will be played across four venues. Lahore will host nine games, Multan five games, Rawalpindi 8 matches and Karachi 12 games including 8 league games and four knockout games. The final will also be played in Karachi on March 18.
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Team Analysis
Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar will be led by Babar Azam who switched sides last season from Karachi Kings. Under him Peshawar finished fourth last season and managed to qualify for the knockouts. However, they lost the Eliminator to Islamabad to get knocked out of the season.
Babar will once again aim for the title with players like Rovan Powell, Asif Ali, Mohammad Haris and Naveel-ul-Haq as part of the side. There are plenty of inexperienced Pakistan bowlers in the side and the challenge for Babar will be to handle them throughout the campaign.
Quetta Gladiators
Gladiators have opted for a new captain in Rilee Rossouw to lead the side this season. The franchise has moved away from Sarfaraz Ahmed and his potential as captain. The squad will bank on their overseas batters and on their domestic bowling talent to win their second PSL title. With the bat, they have Jason Roy, Rossouw himself, Laurie Evans and Sarfaraz. Mohammad Amir is a big name who is part of the Quetta bowling attack alongside Mohammad Wasim Junior, Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Qadir.
Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore has been historically a good batting wicket over the years. The venue has hosted 27 T20Is with 16 matches won by the team chasing. The average firrst innings score is 162 and the average second innings score is 145. Islamabad United chased down almost 200 in the last game and won by 8 wickets. Going by what transpired in the first game, we are in for another high-scoring contest.
Form and fitness
Eyes will be on the key players ffrom both teams. For Peshawar Zalmi, eyes will be on skipper Babar Azam and how he plays this season with reports him likely to regain captaincy. Another player to watch out for Peshawar will be Shamar Joseph who has landed a PSL deal after bowling West Indies to victory against Australia at The Gabba.
Quetta Gladiators will expect runs from the likes of Jason Roy, skipper Rilee Rossouw. Sarfaraz Ahmed has been sidelined from captaincy with Saud Shakeel appointed as vice-captain. There will be high expectations from Mohammad Amir.
Tactical Acumen
The tactical acumen of both captains will be tested. Babar Azam was recently asked to step down from captaincy and thus this PSL season is a big opportunity for him to show his promise as captain and regain captaincy. The challenge for Rilee Rossouw will be to know about the strengths of the domestic Pakistan bowlers and using them accordingly.
Scores Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 200-220 | 160-180 |
| Quetta Gladiators | 180-200 | 130-150 |
Recent Venue Records (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
STATS – T20
Total matches 27
Matches won batting first 16
Matches won bowling first 11
Average 1st Inns scores 162
Average 2nd Inns scores 144
Highest total recorded 209/3 (20 Ov) by ENG vs PAK
Lowest total recorded 94/10 (15.3 Ov) by NZ vs PAK
Highest score chased 176/8 (19.4 Ov) by PAK vs ZIM
Lowest score defended 126/7 (20 Ov) by PAKW vs BANW
Who Will Score Most Runs For Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam/ Asif Ali
Who Will Take Most Wickets For Peshawar Zalmi: Shamarh Joseph / Aamer Jamal
Who Will Score Most Runs For Quetta Gladiators: Rilee Rossouw / Jason Roy
Who Will Take Most Wickets For Quetta Gladiators: Mohammad Amir / Akeal Hosein
PSZ vs QTG Today Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today’s PSL 2024 Match? Match 2
Peshawar Zalmi are leading the head to head count by 12-9 and are likely to win the game against Quetta Gladiators.
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