Peshawar Zalmi (PZ) and Lahore Qalandars (LQ) will meet for an important clash in Rawalpindi today, the kind of important that had Lahore pulling Sikandar Raza out of his national duties for just this one game, before he rejoins Zimbabwe for a four-day Test against England. This is a virtual quarterfinal, with both teams vying for the fourth playoff spot.
This was always going to be a tense face-off, even before the disruptions arrived. Even a potential war couldn’t dim the kind of show this match promises.
The world has never seen a PSL season where PZ weren’t part of the playoffs. But this time, they’re closer than ever to rewriting history, in the wrong way. Currently placed fifth with eight points, they need a win today to leapfrog Lahore, who sit just ahead at fourth with nine. This is why the stakes are higher than ever. This game matters more than any other played so far this season, and both teams know it.
Team Overview:
Babar Azam’s blistering 94-run knock at this same venue last night was too good to end up on the losing side. But if there’s one thing Zalmi fans can take heart from, it’s the return of Saim Ayub to something close to his lethal best over this brief break. This could allow Babar to return to the number three slot, letting Saim and Mohammad Haris go full tilt in the powerplay.
With Mitchell Owen having already signed up for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Zalmi brought back Tom Kohler-Cadmore. While his impact fizzled out last night, the team will hope he can still bring some of the pizzazz they’ve sorely missed this season.
What Zalmi will really need to worry about, though, is their bowling lineup. With Alzarri Joseph and Nahid Rana yet to return from international commitments, their attack looks worryingly thin. Luke Wood remains the lone bright spot on an otherwise gloomy horizon.
Lahore Qalandars, for their part, are missing even more names. Rishad Hossain, Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, and David Wiese will all be unavailable for the rest of the campaign. In their place, the team has roped in Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Shakib al-Hasan.
Before the league was suspended, Lahore’s top order had hit a purple patch, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, and Abdullah Shafique were carrying the team brilliantly. While their middle-order had its fair share of issues, the inclusion of Rajapaksa and Shakib could offer some much-needed stability, maybe even more than before.
Head-to-Head:
In the 20 encounters between the two sides, Peshawar Zalmi have come out on top 12 times, while Lahore have claimed victory in the remaining eight.
Weather and Pitch Report:
The mid-season break seems to have freshened up Rawalpindi’s pitch, offering plenty of assistance to the batters. Last night, both Peshawar and Karachi breached the 200-run mark. Earlier in the day, Quetta and Multan both went past 180. Expect a similarly high-scoring affair, weather permitting.
Unfortunately for PZ, the forecast for tonight shows a high chance of rain. A washout would end their campaign and shatter their hopes of reaching the playoffs.
Prediction:
Lahore Qalandars had to suffer a defeat in the reverse fixture against Peshawar earlier this season, and PZ could very much replicate that as well.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: A Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad, Tamasha, Walee Technologies, Myco App, Begin
India: FanCode App, Sony Sports Network
Africa: Super Sports
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
North America: Willow TV
MENA: MYCO
Rest of the World: Sports Central
