Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators, PSL T20 2023, Today Match Prediction

mls vs qtg Match Prediction & Analysis

Quetta Gladiators are all set to kick off the new season in Karachi playing the runners-up from last season, Multan Sultans. In the season opener, the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars pulled off a 1-run win against Mohammad Rizwan’s Sultans. 

Multan’s batting department is as strong as last season. But the bowling attack doesn’t seem to have many big-impact players. Gladiators, on the other hand, feature the likes of Hasaranga, Naseem Shah, and Odean Smith to name a few.

After failing to qualify for the playoffs last year, Sarfaraz Ahmed will be hoping to turn things around this season. Quetta will be keen on establishing their dominance early on in the league stage. Sarfaraz has more choices for the top order this year as Martin Guptill joins the Gladiators. 

For Multan Sultans, Shahanawaz Dahani will be the key bowler in the pace department.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Multan Sultans Preview

Rizwan finished with the top score of 75 runs for his team as Sultans lost by 1 run while chasing 176 against Lahore Qalandars. With Pollard and Khushdil Shah on the crease, 15 off the final over doesn’t look like an impossible task.

But Fakhar Zaman had other plans as he secured his side a 1-run win in spite of conceding two fours on the last two deliveries. Shan Masood and Rizwan’s cautious approach at the top can harm their chances in many games to come. 

Rizwan’s approach may be justified when he plays for Pakistan since there aren’t many reliable middle-order batters there. But here, he’s got David Miller, Kieron Pollard, and Khushdil Shah to depend on.

The squad also features the likes of Rilee Rossouw and Tim David. Rossouw hasn’t been in good touch and may not be the right choice for the middle order. However, at least one of the two openers needs to up the ante and play some quickfire knock and set the stage for a big total.

Masood can take this role while Rizwan continues to be the anchor. The bowling attack should be the major concern for Rizwan as there is no David Willey and Imran Tahir this season. The veteran leg-break bowler was key to their success last year.

Now, it will all be up to Shahnawaz Dahani, Sameen Gul, and Ihsanullah to put the Sultans in a dominant position with the ball. 

Multan Sultans Predicted Playing XI:

Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Usman Khan, Kieron Pollard, David Miller, Khushdil Shah, Akeal Hosein, Usama Mir, Sameen Gul, Shahnawaz Dahani, Ihsanullah

Multan Sultans Actual Playing XI:

Rilee Rossouw, Shan Masood, Khushdil Shah, Sameen Gul, Ihsanullah, Abbas Afridi, Akeal Hosein, Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Rizwan, David Miller, Usama Mir

Quetta Gladiators Preview

Considering their squad composition, it was surprising that the Gladiators would finish at number 5 with just 4 wins last season.

Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed must be confident after he returned to international cricket with a big Test hundred at home. He should come out and express himself better in the lower middle order this time around.

There are others like Mohammad Nawaz and the in-form Iftikhar Ahmed who are crucial for a big finish. Will Smeed and Ahsan Ali featured at the top of the order frequently last year. They played some impactful knocks that helped them to a few wins. 

However, Sarfaraz should also consider bringing in Jason Roy or Martin Guptill in place of Smeed this year. There is no Ben Duckett in the squad this year and hence, Quetta will be looking for a new face at number 3.

Moreover, there are some changes in the bowling department too. The Gladiators have let go of Sohail Tanvir and James Faulkner. With Wanindu Hasaranga in the side, the all-rounders’ department gets even stronger and that adds depth to the batting lineup and variety to the bowling attack.

On paper, this squad looks very strong and if their key players deliver, Gladiators could start their 2023 PSL campaign on a winning note.

Quetta Gladiators Predicted Playing XI:

Will Smeed, Ahsan Ali, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Wanindu Hasaranga, Odean Smith, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Omair Yousuf

Quetta Gladiators Actual Playing XI:

Naseem Shah, Martin Guptill, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Jason Roy, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Umar Akmal, Nuwan Thushara, Abdul Bangalzai, Mohammad Nawaz

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There is not much for the pacers on this pitch. The spinners can get some purchase out of this dry surface at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The weather is expected to be sunny with a high of 29 degrees Celsius.

Venue Details

Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan will host this match. The average 1st innings score on this ground in domestic T20s is 171 runs. Teams will need to look for something over 180-185 to ensure a match-winning total. There haven't been many PSL matches on this ground and it is yet to host a T20 international game. It can be a high-scoring game given it's a new pitch at the start of a new season.

Toss: To Bowl

Teams batting second have won 10 of the 17 National T20 Cup matches at this venue. Both teams have a deep batting lineup with big-hitting finishers and will be more comfortable chasing a total.