PSL 2020 Match 29, Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Having already guaranteed themselves top spot in the league table of the 2020 PSL, Multan Sultans will now play Lahore Qalandars at their den. A win here will see the Qalandars through to the semi-finals, where they will host Karachi Kings. In case of a defeat, they will have to back the Kings to defeat Quetta Gladiators in the last match of this stage.

With 6 wins in 7 matches with a result, the Sultans have done significantly better than other sides in the tournament. Their only defeat came against the United, in their second match; since then they have won 5 decided matches on the trot.

They beat the Qalandars in the first match of the tournament for both sides. Imran Tahir (4-0-21-2) and Moeen Ali (2-0-13-2) helped restrict the Qalandars to 138/8 that day despite Sohail Akhtar’s 30-ball 34 not out. The Sultans chase, for the loss of 5 wickets in 16.1 overs, was led by Shan Masood (38 in 29) and Rilee Rossouw (32 in 28). For the Qalandars, Shaheen Shah Afridi had 4-0-18-1.

The Qalandars have won only 4 of their 9 matches, but this includes a hat-trick of wins to follow a stage where they had 1 out of 5. They were then thrashed by the Kings, but they should be able to carry some winning momentum.

Despite that, the Sultans are favourites coming into the match.

Head to head

The teams were tied 2-2 before this edition before the Sultans won to make it 3-2.

Key players

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars): With his hostile pace, Afridi eased into the role of the spearhead of the Qalandar attack. With 11 wickets (joint second-most in the tournament) at 7.19 an over, he is going to be Lahore’s danger man.

Shahid Afridi (Multan Sultans): The senior Afridi, too, has been in usual form. His 4 wickets may not sound much, but his batting strike rate is a typical 167. His ability to rise to these occasions makes him a dangerous prospect.

Likely XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Sohail Akhtar (c), Fakhar Zaman, Chris Lynn, Ben Dunk (wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Samit Patel, David Wiese, Dilbar Hussain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Faizan.

Multan Sultans: Rohail Nazir, Zeeshan Ashraf (wk), Shan Masood (c), Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Khushdil Shah, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Ali Shafiq, Mohammad Irfan, Imran Tahir.

Prediction

Multan Sultans to win.