Cricket fans are in for a treat as Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators lock horns in the second match of HBL PSL 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today. With both teams eager to start their campaigns on a high, here’s everything you need to know about this blockbuster clash.
HBL PSL 10 Toss Update: Zalmi Opt to Bowl First
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field first, banking on the pitch conditions and historical trends at Rawalpindi. This decision aligns with the venue’s reputation for offering early assistance to bowlers, especially under daylight.
Playing XIs: Key Additions and Surprises
Peshawar Zalmi:
Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (WK), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Max Bryant, Hussain Talat, Mitchell Owen, Alzarri Joseph, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali, Ali Raza.
Key Note: Young pacer Ali Raza makes his HBL PSL debut, adding firepower to Zalmi’s pace attack.
Quetta Gladiators:
Saud Shakeel (C), Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (WK), Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Key Note: Veteran Shoaib Malik returns to face his former team, bringing experience to Quetta’s middle order.
Head-to-Head: Zalmi’s Historical Edge
Overall: Peshawar leads 13-10 in 23 HBL PSL encounters.
At Rawalpindi: Zalmi have won 2 of 3 matches here, including a dominant 8-wicket victory in 2024.
Player Battles:
Babar Azam dominates Quetta with 255 runs at a strike rate of 164.51.
Mohammad Amir needs 2 wickets to become the fourth-highest wicket-taker against Zalmi.
Players to Watch
Babar Azam (PES): Fresh off a stellar 522-run season in HBL PSL 2024, his ability to anchor the innings will be critical.
Shoaib Malik (QUE): The 42-year-old is 68 runs away from becoming PSL’s third-highest run-scorer.
Mohammad Amir (QUE): Known for his lethal powerplay spells (economy under 7 last season).
Alzarri Joseph (PES): The West Indies pacer’s raw pace could exploit Rawalpindi’s bounce.
Kusal Mendis (QUE): The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter brings form from recent international fixtures.
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch: Offers true bounce early, favoring batters, but spinners like Abrar Ahmed may dominate later as the surface slows.
Weather: Clear skies with temperatures peaking at 37°C. No rain or dew expected, ensuring a full 40-over contest.
How to Watch Live
Pakistan: A Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad, and Daraz.
India: Sony Sports Network (TV) and Fancode (streaming).
UK: Sky Sports Cricket.
Global: Geo TV (UK), SuperSport (Africa), and Sports Central YouTube.
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Top Picks: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Haris, Rilee Rossouw.
Differential Choices: Ali Raza (PES), Usman Tariq (QUE).
Avoid: Players returning from injuries, like Luke Wood (not in today’s XI).
Security and Fan Experience
Over 5,000 security personnel have been deployed at Rawalpindi Stadium to ensure safety. Fans can enjoy family enclosures, with tickets priced from PKR 500 (general) to PKR 15,000 (VIP).
Final Word
With Babar’s tactical acumen facing off against Saud Shakeel’s fresh leadership, this match promises fireworks. Will Zalmi’s bowling depth outclass Quetta’s explosive batting? Tune in to find out!
For real-time updates, refresh this page or follow official HBL PSL social media channels.
