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PSL 2023 Predictions: Eliminator 2, Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi
Get ready for an electrifying showdown as Lahore Qalandars take on Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League 2023!
The battle is set to take place on Friday, March 17, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.
This match promises to be a thriller, with two top teams going head-to-head in a do-or-die situation.
Led by the fearless Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Qalandars have had a strong season so far, winning seven out of their first ten matches and securing their spot in the playoffs.
However, they have faced some recent setbacks, suffering two batting collapses in a row.
Will they be able to bounce back and prove their mettle in this crucial encounter?
On the other hand, the Zalmi have had a bumpy ride to the playoffs, finishing fourth in the league stage with five wins out of ten games.
Despite failing to defend targets of over 240 on two occasions, they managed to clinch a thrilling victory against Islamabad United in Eliminator 1, thanks to the heroics of Aamer Jamal, who picked up the crucial wickets of Sohaib Maqsood and Alex Hales.
.Can they maintain their winning momentum and book a spot in the final?
With a capacity of 27,000, the Gaddafi Stadium is the perfect setting for this high-stakes clash.
The venue has a reputation for producing exciting matches, and the pitch is known to favor the team batting first.
Therefore, both sides will have to be at their best if they want to put runs on the board and restrict their opponents.
The weather forecast suggests a chance of rain during the match, adding an extra element of unpredictability to the proceedings.
However, the temperature is expected to be around 19-degree Celsius, ensuring comfortable playing conditions for the players.
The lineups of both teams are brimming with talent, and fans can expect some scintillating performances from star players like Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
It’s going to be an exciting battle of wits and skills as these two teams go all out to claim victory and move one step closer to the coveted PSL trophy.
In the head-to-head stats, the Zalmi hold a slight advantage, having won ten out of the 17 matches they have played against the Qalandars.
Lahore Qalandars Stats
Total Match Played = 85
Won = 41
Loss = 44
No Result = 0
Peshawar Zalmi Stats
Total Match Played = 92
Won = 49
Loss = 41
No Result = 2
However, history counts for little in a knockout game, and both teams will be focused on delivering their best performance on the day.
7 out of 7 matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore have been won by the team batting first. Chasing will, hence, not be the preferred option for either team.
So, gear up for an unforgettable night of cricket as Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi lock horns in a battle for supremacy.
With everything to play for, expect an epic showdown as these two giants of the PSL fight it out to stay in the hunt for the championship title!
Lahore Qalandars Playing XI
Fakhar Zaman, Mirza Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (wk), Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Peshawar Zalmi Playing XI
Babar Azam(c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, James Neesham, Aamer Jamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wahab Riaz, Salman Irshad
Who will win
T20 tournament cricket is all about peaking at the right time.
Peshawar is brimming with confidence after putting Islamabad to sword.
However Lahore is packed with batting and bowling firepower other teams can only dream of.
A lot depends on who wins the toss. If Lahore win the toss and bat first, they will win.
If Lahore bat second, they can still win provided the target is less than 160.