Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators, PSL T20 2023, Today Match Prediction 18 February 2023

krk vs qtg Match Prediction & Analysis

Karachi Kings are yet to open their account in PSL 2023. They have lost both games they have played and are currently 5th on the table with a net run rate of -0.585. They will next take on Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 18. Quetta were beaten comprehensively in their first match and will be looking to make a comeback too.

 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Karachi Kings Preview

After losing their season opener in a close contest against Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings were defeated by 4 wickets by Islamabad United in their next. After being asked to bat first, Karachi Kings posted 173 on the board on a good batting wicket at the National Stadium in Karachi. Peshawar chased the target in 18.2 overs while losing 6 wickets. Haider Ali’s 59 off 45 balls was the highest score for Karachi. The other batters, unfortunately, didn’t step up. 

Opener Sharjeel Khan (212 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 21.20 and a strike rate of 129.26) has been consistently getting runs in recent times, and a big knock is expected of him soon. The experienced Shoaib Malik will also be crucial in the middle-order. A veteran of over 500 T20 matches, Malik has amassed 12,398 runs at an average of 36.14 and a strike rate of 127.69.

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir had a good outing against Peshawar, taking 2-30 off his 4 overs. Karachi need their top pacer to be in form, and this is good news for the team. Captain Imad Wasim bowled in the powerplay and was miserly, going for just 19 runs in 4 overs while taking 1 wicket. Karachi may give Mir Hamza the go-ahead in this match as Muhammad Musa proved to be highly expensive in the previous match. 

 

Karachi Kings Predicted Playing XI:

James Vince, Sharjeel Khan, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Matthew Wade (wk), Imad Wasim (c), Irfan Khan, James Fuller, Andrew Tye, Muhammad Musa/ Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir

Karachi Kings Actual Playing XI:

Imran Tahir, Andrew Tye, James Vince, Imad Wasim, Matthew Wade, Mohammad Amir, Aamer Yamin, Sharjeel Khan, Irfan Khan, Shoaib Malik, Haider Ali

Quetta Gladiators Preview

Quetta Gladiators had the worst possible start to their PSL 2023 campaign. After being asked to bat first against Multan Sultans on a good pitch at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Quetta was bowled out for just 110 inside 19 overs. Multan then polished off the target in 13.3 overs. It was a horrible batting performance, and only opener Jason Roy (27 off 18 balls) looked like getting runs.  Roy now has 330 runs in his last 7 matches at an average of 47.14 and a strike rate of 168.36. A big knock from hum can be expected. 

Umar Akmal was in good form in the recent Pakistan Cup at home, scoring 383 runs in 9 innings at an average of 42.55 and a strike rate of 111.66. He’s another batter to watch out for. Quetta  will also be expecting some runs in the middle order from the experienced and reliable Mohammad Hafeez.

Quetta’s bowling unit is led by young fast bowlers Naseem Shah (13 wickets in the last 10 matches at a strike rate of 16.84 and an economy of 8.02) and Mohammad Hasnain (3 wickets in the last 3 matches at a strike rate of 20 and an economy of 8.10). Mohammad Hafeez, who has 202 T20 wickets to his name at an economy of 6.42, will also be useful in the middle overs to keep things tight.

 

Quetta Gladiators Predicted Playing XI:

Jason Roy, Martin Guptill, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Abdul Bangalzai, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Nuwan Thushara

Quetta Gladiators Actual Playing XI:

Naseem Shah, Martin Guptill, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Jason Roy, Odean Smith, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Umar Akmal, Abdul Bangalzai, Mohammad Nawaz, Qais Ahmad

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi is usually pretty flat and great for batting. There is an even bounce on the wicket that stays true throughout the 40 overs. Batters will have a great time here and bowlers are likely to go for runs unless they bowl tight lines.

The weather in Karachi during the game will be hot but clear.

Venue Details

The average score batting first at the National Stadium in Karachi in the PSL is 172. It comes down to 166 in the second innings. The highest total posted at the venue in the tournament is 238/3 by Islamabad United. The team batting first in this match should look to set a target of around 190-200 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

This venue favors the team batting second. Out of the 52 PSL matches played at the National Stadium in Karachi, 34 have been won by the side chasing. Expect the team winning the toss to field first.