PSL 2020, Match 29, Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars, Preview – Sohail Akhtar and Co seek last-gasp in a vital encounter against the table-toppers

Multan Sultans have already qualified for the semi-finals of PSL 2020.

Published - 14 Mar 2020, 16:31 IST | Updated - 14 Mar 2020, 16:31 IST

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Multan Sultans have comfortably qualified into the semi-final stage of the tournament. They are currently leading the points table with 14 ratings in their nine games. Sultans managed a total of six wins and only one defeat that they suffered against Islamabad United.

Now, they will lock horns with Lahore Qalandars in their last league game and Sultans will look to end their group stage on a high note with a win. Shan Masood and Co. have previously faced Qalandars and defeated them by five wickets. Moreover, they are coming with a win on their back from the previous game. Now, it will be interesting to watch if they can end up winning their last league game.

For Lahore Qalandars, it is going to be a do or die situation and they will have to win the upcoming encounter. They are on the fourth position in the league table with eight points. At one point Qalandars were on the verge of getting knocked out from the tournament but now they are at least in the contention.

And, the chances are high that they will make into the further stage based on their recent performances. Although they suffered a defeat in their previous outing. They are one of those teams that cannot be taken lightly. So, the fans can expect a flash of brilliance from the dugout of Lahore Qalandars on Sunday.

Team Combination:

Multan Sultans

In the absence of James Vince, Rohail Nazir is expected to open the innings alongside Zeeshan Ashraf, has done a brilliant job for his team as an opener. Moreover, he scored an amazing fifty in the previous game against Peshawar Zalmi. Shan Masood, Khushdil Shah and Moeen Ali will have to play responsibly as they are short of Rilee Rossouw, who has already returned back to his country.

Ravi Bopara will be a vital player for his team, who can well contribute with the bat and ball in crucial situations. Even, Shahid Afridi is there that can single-handedly turn the tables towards his team on the back of his sublime hitting. Meanwhile, there is no need for any changes in the bowling unit that comprises of bowlers like Ali Shafiq, Imran Tahir, Mohammad Irfan and Sohail Tanvir.

Probable XI: Zeeshan Ashraf (WK), Rohail Nazir, Moeen Ali, Shan Masood (C), Ravi Bopara, Khushdil Shah, Shahid Afridi, Imran Tahir, Ali Shafiq, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan

Lahore Qalandars

There is no doubt over the fact that Sohail Akhtar and Fakhar Zaman will open the innings for Lahore Qalandars in the crucial game. The former has so far scored 217 runs with the help of two fifties. In middle-order Chris Lynn, Ben Dunk and Mohammad Hafeez will look to give stability to the batting line up of Qalandars.

Even Samit Patel can bat well and contribute with the ball. They look a pretty balanced side with an impressive bowling line-up that comprises of Shaheen Afridi, Muhammad Faizan, Dilbar Hussain, Haris Rauf. There looks no need to tinker anything in their side unless any player sustains any serious injury.

Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Chris Lynn, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk (wk), Sohail Akhtar (c), Samit Patel, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi, Dilbar Hussain, Haris Rauf, Maaz Khan

The focus will be on

Ben Dunk (Lahore Qalandars)

Ben Dunk is in brilliant form with the bat for Lahore Qalandars. He looks impressive and has won couple of games single-handedly. And, his performance will be quite important from the perspective of Qalandars. So far he has mustered 266 runs in seven games with the help of two half-centuries. And, now Qalandars will be hopeful their in0form player should play a breakthrough knock for them in a must win game.

Shan Masood (Multan Sultans)

After Rilee Rossouw left, now all the responsibility has come down on the shoulders of Shan Masood, who has done well as a skipper and batsmen for his team in PSL 2020. The same would be expected from him in the upcoming game against Qalandars. And, his batting will make a major impact on the game for Sultans. So, he will be the other player to watch out in Sultans last league match.