PSL 2023 Predictions: Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans

Brace yourselves for an electrifying clash between two of Pakistan’s best T20 franchises, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans!

The stakes are higher than ever, as the winner of this match secures a spot in the finals.

Match Details

The match will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, and will begin at 7:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM GMT on March 15, 2023.

Recent form

The Lahore Qalandars have been the standout team in the league stage, winning seven out of their ten matches and finishing at the top of the points table.

Meanwhile, the Multan Sultans have secured the second spot in the league standings by winning six out of their ten matches.

The Lahore Qalandars lost their last league game against Imad Wasim’s Karachi Kings by 86 runs, which was inconsequential.

Skipper Shaheen Afridi rested himself, keeping in mind the rest he needed before the playoffs.

The Sultans, on the other hand, started their campaign with four wins in five matches at their home ground in Multan.

But thereafter, they went on a three-match losing streak.

Mohammad Rizwan’s men made a comeback with a four-wicket win after chasing down 243 against Peshawar Zalmi.

Ahead of their last league game, the Sultans needed a win to go from third to second in the points table.

Instead of crumbling under pressure, they defeated Quetta Gladiators by nine runs to push Islamabad United to third in the table.

Having gained consecutive wins heading into the play-offs, Multan have accrued some much-needed momentum ahead of the business end of the PSL.

Key Players

Fakhar Zaman, who hit 66 runs in the first group stage game against Multan Sultans earlier in the tournament, is expected to be Lahore Qalandars’ highest run-scorer in this playoff match.

Shaheen Afridi, who has 14 wickets in the PSL 2023, is our pick for Lahore Qalandars’ top wicket-taker on Wednesday.

For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Rizwan, who is the leading run-scorer in the competition, is expected to be their highest run-scorer in this match.

Abbas Afridi, who has a strike rate of 8.9 with two four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul in this PSL, is a strong choice for Multan Sultans’ top wicket-taker against Lahore Qalandars.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took a five-wicket haul at this venue earlier in the tournament, will also be a key player to watch out for.

Playing XI

The Lahore Qalandars’ playing XI is expected to include Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (WK), Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan.

Meanwhile, the Multan Sultans’ playing XI is likely to include Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Rilee Rossouw, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Khushdil Shah, Anwar Ali, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Izharulhaq Naveed, and Ihsanullah.

Pitch Conditions

The surface at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known to be a batting paradise, with very little margin for error for bowlers.

The average first innings score at this venue is 193, and the average total score is 165.

The team winning the toss and opting to bowl first would be the ideal decision.

Who will win

Multan has a formidable batting line-up with batters like Rizwan and Rossouw.

Their bowlers are also hitting top form.

Though Lahore is the overwhelming favourite, Multan have a chance of pulling off an upset if they see out their overs against Rashid Khan.