Quetta Gladiators will attempt to continue winning spree in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 when they face Islamabad United here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday evening.
The 2019 champions, Quetta, have won both their matches in their effort to regain lost glory. They defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs after posting 206 for five while achieved a historic win against defending champions Lahore Qalandars.
Their batsmen Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel and Khawaja Nafay led from the front. The bowling foursome, spearheaded by veteran Mohammed Amir and including Akeal Hossein, Mohammed Waseem and Mohammad Hasnain, have proved too hot to handle.
Twice champion, Islamabad United, on the other hand, had a roller coaster journey in the present tournament. They convincingly defeated Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in the opening match of the season. Shadab Khan led his side to success with an unbeaten 74 off 41 balls past the 196-run target.
However, they faltered against Multan Sultans who defeated them by five wickets who chased down the 145-run target in the last over.
Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium strip for the tournament has so far been favouring batting. All three matches held here have been high scoring affairs. Run chase seems to be even easier as dew plays an important part.
Probable squads
Quetta Gladiators: Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Rilee Rossouw (C), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hossein, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed
Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Agha Salman, Jordan Cox, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan (C), Faheem Ashraf, Ubaid Shah, Naseem Shah, Tymal Mills
