PSL 2020: Match 25, Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators, Preview - Teams with contrasting fortunes battle it out as the tournament progresses into its business end

Inconsistent performances have served as a roadblock in Gladiators' PSL 2020 campaign.

Published - 10 Mar 2020, 19:15 IST | Updated - 10 Mar 2020, 19:15 IST

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As the trail of PSL 2020 slowly moves towards its business end, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators are set to lock horns in Match 25 of the tournament. Both sides have had a contrasting journey so far in the tournament. Multan Sultans are currently poised at the top of the pile by amassing 11 points from seven matches. Sultans, who have registered five victories, will be aiming to consolidate their position at the top by thrashing Quetta Gladiators in this encounter.

Gladiators, on the other hand, will be aiming to add another victory under their belt before the culmination of PSL 2020. After suffering four consecutive losses, Gladiators are currently sitting last on the points table with six points from eight games. Despite being equipped with a robust squad, the Sarfaraz Ahmed has failed to deliver impressive performances in both the departments. The opening duo Jason Roy and Shane Watson along with Ahmed Shehzad, skipper Sarfaraz and Azam Khan have failed to play consistent knock in the tournament.

Team Combination

Multan Sultans

Sultans’ batting force will be steered by the likes of James Vince, who hit a brilliant 61-run knock in his previous match to leave the Islamabad United’s bowling force reeling. The England right-hander has two 40+ scores in his last five appearances for Sultans. Having qualified for the playoffs, the side will be hoping to shuffle their side and try new combinations.

The trio of Shan Masood, Rilee Rossouw and Moeen Ali have also delivered vital knocks for Sultans at times. Along with Sohail Tanvir, their bowling force will be steered by Junaid Khan and Imran Tahir. Both Junaid and Tahir scalped two wickets each in their previous PSL 2020 encounter.

Probable XI: Zeeshan Ashraf (WK), James Vince, Moeen Ali, Shan Masood (C), Rilee Rossouw, Khushdil Shah, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Ilyas, Imran Tahir, Sohail Tanvir, Junaid Khan.

Quetta Gladiators

Jason Roy and Shane Watson would be aiming to propel Gladiators to a flying start. Inconsistent performances have served as a roadblock in Gladiators’ PSL 2020 campaign. Along with an explosive opening duo, Gladiators also have skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed along with Azam Khan. However, the batsmen should perform in this must-win encounter against the table toppers. The bowling force comprising of Mohammad Hasnain and Mohammad Nawaz are also anticipated to deliver in this vital clash.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Shane Watson, Ahmed Shehzad, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Azam Khan, Ben Cutting, Sohail Khan, Fawad Ahmed, Zahid Mehmood, Mohammad Hasnain.

Focus will be on

Shane Watson (Quetta Gladiators)

Regarded as a specialist T20 opener, Watson has failed to deliver consistent performances for Gladiators this season. The Australian has amassed only one fifty (80-run knock) so far this season. In this must-win encounter, Watson will be looking to deliver an explosive knock along with Jason Roy. After getting dismissed for a duck in his previous match, Watson will be aiming to retaliate and turn the tables in his side’s favour.

Imran Tahir (Multan Sultans)

Tahir, the South African international, has emerged as a vital cog of Sultans’ bowling force. The leg-spinner has scalped 10 wickets so far in the tournament that includes a three-wicket haul and 3 two-wicket hauls. The 40-year-old has proved his mettle towards the culmination of his career. Tahir will be aiming to wreak havoc on Gladiators’ bowling force amid their misery in the ongoing PSL 2020.