Peshawar Zalmi will face Quetta Gladiators in the 2nd match of PSL 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 12th April, aiming for a strong start in the tournament.
Match Details:
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Date: Saturday, 12th April 2025
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Time: 4:00 PM IST
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Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
In the second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, Peshawar Zalmi will take on Quetta Gladiators at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match promises an exciting clash between two teams looking to get off to a strong start in the tournament.
Key Takeaways:
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Peshawar Zalmi finished second on the points table last season, winning 6 out of 10 matches, and reached Eliminator 2 before being knocked out by Islamabad United, the defending champions.
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Quetta Gladiators, who finished fourth in the points table last season with 5 wins and 4 losses, also faced defeat in their eliminator match against Islamabad United.
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Key players for Peshawar Zalmi include Babar Azam, the top scorer last season, and young talent Saim Ayub. Quetta Gladiators will rely on Saud Shakeel, their top run-scorer from last season, and Abrar Ahmed, their star bowler.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
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Peshawar Zalmi: W-W-W-L-L
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Quetta Gladiators: L-L-W-L-L
Peshawar Zalmi: Team Preview
Peshawar Zalmi finished an impressive second in the previous PSL season and will aim to build on that momentum. With a balanced squad of experienced players and young talents, they are well-equipped for this season. Babar Azam, the team’s highest run-scorer last year with 569 runs, is the key batter. Alongside him, Saim Ayub has been consistently impressive, making him a vital part of the squad. Their bowling lineup, led by Mohammad Ali, who was one of the top wicket-takers last season with 19 wickets, gives them an edge.
Probable Playing XI:
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Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (C), Abdul Samad, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, Najibullah Zadran, Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana, Ali Raza, Arif Yaqoob, Mohammad Ali
Key Players:
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Babar Azam: The former Pakistan captain is a world-class batter and the pillar of Peshawar’s batting line-up. His ability to play match-winning knocks against any opposition makes him a key player.
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Mohammad Ali: A top bowler for Peshawar, Ali has consistently been among the top wicket-takers in PSL and is one to watch out for, especially in Rawalpindi.
Quetta Gladiators: Team Preview
Quetta Gladiators have been a competitive force in PSL but have often faltered when it matters. With Saud Shakeel as their top run-scorer from last season and Abrar Ahmed as their key bowler, Gladiators have a solid core. This season, their squad includes a mix of experienced players like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Amir, alongside promising youngsters. They will be looking to improve on last season’s performance and make a strong push for the playoffs.
Probable Playing XI:
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Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Saud Shakeel, Mark Chapman, Kusal Mendis, Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim
Key Players:
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Saud Shakeel: The Gladiators’ main run-scorer last season, Shakeel’s consistency will be key to their batting success.
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Abrar Ahmed: A top bowler for Quetta, Ahmed took 16 wickets last season and has the ability to change games with his bowling.
Head-to-Head:
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Matches Played: 24
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Peshawar Zalmi Wins: 13
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Quetta Gladiators Wins: 10
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No Result: 1
Pitch Report:
The pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is generally balanced, with some movement for the new ball bowlers early in the game. Batters will need to be cautious initially but can accelerate as the game progresses. The pitch tends to favor stroke-play, with spinners potentially finding some turn during the middle overs. Both teams will need to adapt quickly to the pitch conditions, especially if they bat first. Historically, both first- and second-batting teams have had success at this venue, with no clear advantage.
Weather Report:
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Weather: Sunny
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Temperature: 26-31°C
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Rain: 0% chance of rain, ensuring no interruptions during the match.
Probable Scenarios:
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If Peshawar Zalmi Bat First: With Babar Azam and Saim Ayub in top form, they are likely to put up a competitive total. Their key bowlers like Mohammad Ali could make early breakthroughs, limiting Quetta’s chances.
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If Quetta Gladiators Bat First: Saud Shakeel and Mark Chapman will need to anchor the innings. However, they will face challenges against Peshawar’s potent bowling attack.
Match Predictions:
Given the recent form and head-to-head statistics, Peshawar Zalmi appears to be the stronger side on paper. Their balanced squad, combined with Babar Azam’s leadership and top-notch batting, makes them favorites. However, Quetta Gladiators can surprise with key performances from Saud Shakeel and Abrar Ahmed.
Prediction: Peshawar Zalmi to win
Betting Tips:
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Peshawar Zalmi has a better overall record and is the stronger side based on recent performances.
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Babar Azam could be a key player to score big, while Abrar Ahmed could be crucial for Quetta’s bowling attack.
This promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams aiming to start their PSL 2025 campaign on a positive note. The conditions at Rawalpindi will offer both teams a fair chance, but Peshawar’s depth and experience could give them the edge.