Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, 18th Match PSL

The Lahore Qalandars take on the Quetta Gladiators in the 18th game of PSL to continue their dominance.  

BET on this Game 

Our Predictions

• Lahore Qalandars have won four out of five games they have played in the tournament 
• Quetta Gladiators have won only once in the five games, and they are under pressure 
• Lahore Qalandars have defeated Quetta Gladiators six times in the last eight games  

MATCH  PREVIEW   

The 18th game of the Pakistan Super League 2023 will be an interesting contest for both sides. Lahore Qalandars are on the top of the points table, and a win in this game will assure them of a berth in the playoffs. The Quetta Gladiators are battling poor form and must win this game to stay alive in the tournament. The two sides had met earlier in the tournament, where the Qalandars had won by 63 runs, and it will be interesting to see if the Gladiators can pull off a surprise in this game and bounce back as betting odds are against them. 

• Lahore Qalandars Preview     

It was the best performance of the season for Shaheen Afridi's side in the last game against Islamabad United. They were on song with the bat putting up 200 runs on the board, and dismissed Islamabad United for mere 90 runs. The 110-run win has propelled the side to the top of the points table, and they will look to continue with the same momentum. A win here would assure them of a place in the playoffs, and the Qalandars skipper would like to see his players play aggressively and stamp their authority in the game. 

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Mirza Tahir Baig are in form and have played match-winning knocks. Zaman alone has 235 runs in five games. They need to provide a good start in the game. The middle order is well-balanced, and they will expect runs from Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings, and Hussain Talat. Sikandar Raza and David Wiese add X-factor to this line-up with their power-hitting abilities. 

Shaheen Afridi has already grabbed 10 wickets in the tournament and will look to strike with the new ball. Zaman Khan and Haris Rauf have bowled well for the side, and they would like to do well here. Rashid Khan is the ace for the side, and his spell will be crucial as he has troubled most batsmen. Raza and  Wiese will look to do well in the supporting role. 

• Expected Starting XI for Lahore Qalandars  

 Shaheen Afridi (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mirza Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (wk), Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

• Quetta Gladiators Preview     

It is going from bad to worse for Sarfaraz Ahmed's side. They have lost the last three games and sit at the bottom of the points table. Their bowlers had a terrible day at the office in the last game, leaking 220 runs, leading to a 63-run loss against Islamabad United. They need to come up with better efforts. The batting line-up also hasn't been consistent and needs to perform better. 

Jason Roy's absence is bad news for the team, and they will need a good show from Martin Guptill and Umar Akmal. The opening pair hasn't worked for the side this season. Mohammad Hafeez needs to anchor the innings, and they will also look for a good show from Sarfarraz, Will Smeed, and Iftikhar Ahmed. They have seen batting collapse in two games and need a better show. 

The side has conceded 418 runs in the last two games, which speaks volumes about their lack of form. Mohammad Hasnain must get his lines right, sharing the new ball with Naseem Shah. Iftikhar Ahmed needs to use the conditions in the middle overs, and he will need support from Odean Smith and Aimal Khan. They will have to stick to their bowling plans. 

• Expected Starting XI for Quetta Gladiators  

Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Umar Akmal, Martin Guptill, Will Smeed, Mohammad Hafeez, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Odean Smith, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Aimal Khan

• TOSS: To Bat First        

We have seen flat surfaces in the two games played at this venue. The side batting first has won on both occasions. While the side chasing the score will enjoy similar conditions, a big score on the board always adds to the pressure. Hence, the side that wins the toss will like to bat first. 

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS  

Lahore will see clear skies on March 2, and the weather shall remain hot and humid. The surface will be flat, and batsmen can easily play their strokes. There is little margin of error for the bowlers, and the side batting first will need 200 runs on the board to feel safe on this wicket. 

OUR PREDICTION        

Quetta Gladiators are playing for survival in this tournament. Their batsmen haven't scored runs, and the bowling attack has looked ordinary in all the games. The side will need a complete team effort to turn it around from here. Lahore Qalandars come here in good form. Their batting line-up has done well, and they have two of the best bowlers in the tournament. It makes them favorites in the contest according to cricket betting sites. 

Our Prediction is for Lahore Qalandars to win