MS vs LQ
Match & Dream 11 Prediction, Betting Tips, Playing 11, Pitch Report and Analysis - Mar 18, 2023
We have now reached the fag end of season 8 of the Pakistan Super League, as the Lahore Qalandars look to defend their title against the Multan Sultans on Saturday.
This will essentially be a rematch of the 2022 Finals, where the Qalandars defeated the Sultans by 42 runs at this very venture to lift the trophy for the first time. However, that was a year ago and both teams have very different squads compared to then. Let’s have a look at how both teams have performed over this season.
MS vs LQ Team Previews
Multan Sultans
Led by an indomitable Mohammad Rizwan, the Multan Sultans have endured a rollercoaster ride to the Finals. At one stage, they were leading the points table by a comfortable margin. However, they faltered a bit towards the end of the group stage but managed to finish in the second spot.
The Sultans squared off against the Qalandars in Qualifier 1, where they decimated the opponents to win the match by 84 runs.
The Sultans have put together a brilliant squad that is well-balanced in all departments. Mohammad Rizwan has led from the front and is the top-scorer in the team with 516 runs. Joining him at the top of the order will be Usman Khan, who has played just 3 matches so far this season by has already scored a brilliant century. Kieron Pollard and Rilee Rossouw add muscle to the middle order, while all-rounders Tim David and Khushdil Shah add depth to the batting.
The bowlers have contributed equally to the Sultans’ success this season. Ihsanullah, playing his first full season, has been brilliant with the new ball and is second on the list of top wicket-takers for the season. His number is only bettered by his teammate Abbas Afridi, who has claimed 23 wickets.
The addition of Sheldon Cottrell gives greater flexibility to Rizwan to make changes in the bowling attack. The team does however lack variety in spin attack as Usama Mir is the only specialist spinner in the squad.
Multan Sultans Playing 11
Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw, Kieron Pollard, Timothy David, Khushdil Shah, Anwar Ali, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Sheldon Cottrell, Ihsanullah.
Lahore Qalandars
The Qalandars are the defending champions for this season and have carried their form from the last season to this season too. They have been clinical in their performance during the group stages and finished at the top of the points table.
However, they did falter in Qualifier 1 and had to face Peshawar Zalmi in Qualifier 2, which they managed to win relatively comfortably in the end.
The batting has been a strong point for the Qalandars this season as most of their top and middle-order batsmen are in good form. Fakhar Zaman is the leading scorer with 390 runs and has been well supported by Mirza Baig and Abdullah Shafique at the top of the order. Sikandar Raza and Sam Billings have been quite reliable in the middle order, while David Weise can perform the role of a finisher in crunch situations.
Rashid Khan and Shaheen Afridi can swing the willow too if the need arises. The Qalandars have a strong pace attack consisting of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan, and will be banking on them to bowl well. Rashid Khan, who is one of the best spinners in the world when it comes to T20 cricket will play an important role during the middle overs.
Rather than relying on individual performances, the Qalandars have put up a team effort that has been instrumental in their success this season.
Lahore Qalandars Playing 11
Fakhar Zaman, Tahir Baig, Sam Billings, Abdullah Shafiq, Ahsan Bhatti, Sikandar Raza, Rashid Khan, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan.
MS vs LQ Betting Tips
Both the teams have had their ups and downs this season but have deservedly booked their spot in the Finals. At this stage, the match is very difficult to call but we are going to stick our necks out and back the Lahore Qalandars to win here. Most of their batsmen are in good form and we expect them to put up a good score here. The team also has plenty of variety in their bowling, especially in the seam department.
Bet on the Lahore Qalandars to win.
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Top batter for Multan Sultans
Mohammad Rizwan (3.40)
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Mohammad Rizwan is in excellent form this season and is second on the list of the top run-getters in this tournament. He has scored 4 half-centuries and a century so far and was the top batsman for his team in 3 matches so far. Looking at his excellent form, we are backing him to do so again in this game.
We are eager to know what you think of our match predictions, if there is anything we can do better or if you want to let us know your own predictions for the match.