Zalmi vs Qalandars preview

DUBAI February 24: Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars have all to play for as they clash in a crucial HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) tie at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today.

Qalandars and Zalmi are in the middle of the table (third and fourth respectively) and need to register a win today to ensure their qualification for the play-offs.

Qalandars scored a pulsating one-wicket win over Islamabad United in their Sharjah clash earlier in the week and a win today would guarantee them a spot in the play-offs.

Captain Brendon McCullum must be happy with the return of form of Umar Akmal who played a match winning innings against Islamabad United in the eventual one wicket win. All-rounder Aamer Yamin has also bolstered the eleven with his three wicket haul against United while Sohail Tanvir and Sunil Narine lend balance to the bowling attack.

Zalmi on the other hand lost two closely fought games against United and Karachi Kings and are currently languishing at the fourth spot with a mere five points after their first six games. Shahid Afridi registered his first PSL 50 against the Kings and captain Daren Sammy must be hoping for more fireworks from the big hitting all-rounder.

Zalmi’s win today would improve their chances of booking a place in the play-offs while a defeat would make life tougher for the table-toppers (Round Robin Leg) of the last PSL season with only one spot expected to be left open after the end of the double-header today.

Zalmi won the first match between the two teams that was played at Dubai, Qalandars were shot out for 59 batting first yet made Zalmi sweat for the target before their eventual three wicket win.