PSL 6: Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators – Match 18 – Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

Islamabad United didn't get off to a desirable start in the second leg of PSL and went down to Lahore Qalandars by 5 wickets in a nail-biter. However, not all is lost for them as they can take pride by the fact that they hung in the match despite scoring a below-par total. Islamabad United decided to open with Usman Khawaja and Colin Munro but both the left-handers struggled to get going. Given the slow nature of the surface, Islamabad United will need Colin Munro and Usman Khawaja to give them a brisk start as a hard new ball is the best opportunity to score.

Advertisment

With Rohail Nazar, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Hussain Talat as their main batsmen, Islamabad seems to lack quality in their middle order. A good start is must for them to post a decent total. Faheem Ashraf has been in good form and batted well against Lahore. However, there are some doubts about his participation due to a hand injury. With Hasan Ali, Fawad Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Shadab Khan, the bowling looks settled but will need runs from their batsmen to make a match.

The Gladiators are tottering at the bottom with one win in five games. They will be without the services of Chris Gayle, Tom Banton, Dale Steyn and Ben Cutting, who pulled out of the second leg. However, in Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell, Jack Wildermuth, Jake Weatherald, and Zahir Khan, Gladiators have made apt replacements.

Given the conditions, Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell, and Qais Ahmed could be the three overseas players for this match. Du Plessis was in top form in IPL and Sarafarz will hope he can carry on his form in PSL as well. In the bowling department, Quetta Gladiators have the likes of Mohammad Hasnain, Jack Wildermuth, Usman Shinwari, and Zahid Mahmood. There is a lot of talent in the Quetta Gladiators team, no doubt, but they will have to find the right combination to turn things around in favour of themselves.

Advertisment

Pitch report

The slow nature of the surface makes scoring very difficult. The openers will be very crucial in this leg as the best time to bat will be against the new ball.

Match Details

Advertisment

Match – Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators – 18th match

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 09:30 PM IST, 04:00 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Head-to-Head

Played – 12 | Islamabad United – 5 | Quetta Gladiators – 7 | N/R – 0

Probable XI's

Islamabad United: Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Akif Javed, Rohail Nazir, Hasan Ali, Fawad Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr

Quetta Gladiators: Usman Khan, Faf du Plessis, Saim Ayub, Cameron Delport, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Azam Khan, Andre Russell, Jack Wildermuth/Qais Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Hasnain