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Who will win PSL 2023? Qalandars or Sultans?

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The finals of the Pakistan Super League 2023 between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans will take place on Saturday, 18 March 2023, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The Sultans will aiming to win the PSL trophy, but also seek revenge against Lahore, who had beaten them convincingly in last year’s final at the same venue.

The head-to-head record between the two teams reveals that Lahore has won 8 out of the 15 matches played, while Multan has won 7.

The Sultans qualified for the final by bowling out Lahore for just 76 runs, winning by 84 runs, after finishing second in the league stage.

Sheldon Cottrell’s 3-wicket haul led to Lahore’s collapse after Kieron Pollard’s fifty propelled the Sultans to 160/5.

Lahore Qalandars’ biggest challenge was to bat first if they lost the toss against Peshawar Zalmi.

However, having passed that test, they are in an excellent position going into the final.

In the qualifier match, Lahore finally won a match when batting second, a massive psychological boost for them.

Chasing 172 to beat Peshawar Zalmi, they reached their target with four wickets in hand and seven balls to spare, setting up this final encounter with Multan.

Mirza Baig and pacer Zaman Khan were the stars for Lahore, and they reached their third PSL final in four seasons.

Team News

Right-arm pacer Shahnawaz Dahani is back in the Multan Sultans squad after coincidentally getting injured in their opening match of the season against Qalandars.

However, he is unlikely to play the final as young pacers Abbas Afridi and Ihsanullah are in terrific form, with 23 and 21 wickets respectively.

The Sultans have a quartet of match-winning all-rounders in Pollard, Khushdil Shah, Anwar Ali and Usama Mir who add a vital balance to the side.

Anwar and Usama Mir have been important contributors with the ball picking up 23 wickets amongst them, so far.

Sultans have another trump card up their sleeve – Usman Khan whose explosive hitting helped  him smash the fastest ever century in PSL history.

Due to his red hot form, he will displace Shan Masood, who scored two half-centuries in the last five innings and has scored 236 runs in the nine innings.

Mohammad Rizwan is in pole position to bag the Green Cap (Most runs in PSL 2023) for the season with 516 runs in 11 innings.

For Lahore, the big problem is the form of their star batters.

Fakhar Zaman showed his class a brilliant 115 late in the league stages but since then has scored 25 runs in three innings.

Abdullah Shafique, who was sent back to No. 3, has managed just 20 runs in last five innings.

However, if Lahore is in the final, it’s largely due to their bowling attack, which is arguably the most lethal amongst all T20 franchises in the world.

Haris Rauf has picked up 13 of his 17 wickets came in the last six games, including 3/34 in the last match.

Even junior partner, Zaman Khan has impressed with 13 wickets, seven of which came in the last four games.

Apart from pace talisman Shaheen Afridi, they also boast of the Afghan genius, Rashid Khan who has 18 wickets in 10 games and holds the Maroon cap for being the highest wicket taker.

Lahore Qalandars Predicted Playing XI:

Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Sam Billings, Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi ©, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

Multan Sultans Predicted Playing XI:

Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan ©, Rilee Rossouw, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Khushdil Shah, Anwar Ali, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Izharulhaq Naveed, Ihsanullah

Who will win

Lahore Qalandars’ primary weakness was their batting, but having won a match while chasing in the qualifier, they are in a better position.

Lahore has a fantastic bowling attack, which may prove decisive in a big final.

At the same time, Multan Sultans have emerged as the team to beat in this edition of the PSL.

The likes of Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Rilee Rossouw and Usman Khan have stood up and delivered when it mattered and their confidence must be sky-high.

To stand a chance against the rampaging batting lineup of the Sultans, the Qalandars bowlers must bring their A-game.

These two teams have faced each other three times across the tournament, with Lahore winning both group games before Multan Sultans overcame them comprehensively in the qualifier.

T20 cricket is about mindset and momentum and in this aspect, we feel Multan have the edge over Lahore.

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Virat Kohli and Steve Smith Predicted to Bounce Back by Shastri

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Ravi Shastri predicts Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will reclaim form, praising their resilience amid recent performance dips.

Ravi Shastri has predicted that Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will soon reclaim their dominant form in cricket. Speaking about the performances of the current Fab Four, Shastri acknowledged that Kohli and Smith have recently struggled compared to Kane Williamson and Joe Root.

Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Smith, despite their dips, remain formidable players. He highlighted their experience, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure as key factors in their potential resurgence.

The former Indian coach emphasized the cyclical nature of sports, where even the best players face challenges. He expressed confidence in Kohli’s and Smith’s capacity to learn from setbacks and adapt their game accordingly.

Kohli’s recent performances have lacked consistency, raising questions about his form. Similarly, Smith has encountered difficulties in maintaining his usual high standards. Shastri stressed that such phases are natural for elite athletes and often lead to greater determination.

Williamson and Root currently lead the Fab Four in terms of performance and consistency. Shastri praised their recent contributions but reminded fans not to underestimate Kohli and Smith.

Shastri’s analysis underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in cricket. He pointed out that both players have a history of overcoming challenges, making their eventual comeback more likely.

Fans and experts continue to debate the dynamics of the Fab Four, with each player’s journey offering unique lessons. Kohli and Smith’s ability to bounce back will be closely watched in the coming months.

This discussion highlights the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where even legends face tough phases. Shastri’s optimism offers hope for fans eagerly anticipating Kohli’s and Smith’s return to peak form.

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Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Travis Head’s Tactics Against Bumrah

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Ravi Ashwin discusses Travis Head’s clever tactics against Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting his strategic adjustments and calculated approach.

Ravi Ashwin has unveiled Travis Head’s strategic approach to countering Jasprit Bumrah and India’s bowling attack. During a recent discussion, Ashwin analyzed Head’s clever ploys on the field, which played a pivotal role in his performance.

According to Ravi Ashwin, Head adjusted his batting stance to disrupt Bumrah’s bowling rhythm. This minor but effective tweak allowed Head to execute his shots more confidently. Ashwin emphasized that such tactical adjustments reflect Head’s understanding of the game.

Head’s strategy involved standing outside the crease to negate Bumrah’s swing and reduce his effectiveness. This move put pressure on the Indian bowlers, forcing them to alter their lengths. Ashwin acknowledged the intelligence behind this approach, calling it a calculated risk.

Ashwin also highlighted Head’s ability to target specific bowlers, capitalizing on their weaknesses. By playing aggressively, Head shifted the momentum in his team’s favor. This strategy demonstrated his adaptability and composure under pressure.

India’s bowling unit struggled to contain Head’s counterattacking style. His approach exposed gaps in India’s plans, prompting them to reassess their strategies. Ashwin noted that such performances underscore the importance of adaptability in international cricket.

The revelation sheds light on how top players study and exploit their opponents. It also emphasizes the need for constant evolution in cricket tactics. Ashwin’s insights provide valuable lessons for players and fans, highlighting the game’s strategic depth.

Ashwin’s observations will likely influence their bowling strategies as India prepares for future matches. Understanding and countering such tactics can help teams improve their performance against aggressive players like Head.

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Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket

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The NPL marks a milestone for Nepali cricket, bringing new opportunities and excitement to the sport!

The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.

This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.

The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.

As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.

In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.

The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.

Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.

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