It is not easy for Pakistanis to make peace with the fact that a majority of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches are being held out of Pakistan. However,this is a bullet they need to bite with a glimmer of hope, as soon the entire event will take area on their home soil. There are no doubts approximately the excitement level of the feverish fans in Pakistan, and presenting the picture of a nation which can set aside its differences for a game of cricket. This is why restoration of international cricket in the country is fundamental in the broader perspective.
After final year’s final in Lahore,this season we have taken it a step further by holding three matches in Pakistan; the final in Karachi, and two eliminators in the city of Lahore. This is symptomatic of the improving security situation, and more importantly,it indicates brighter prospects for the future.
With Islamabad United already through to the final after a convincing win over the Karachi Kings, the stage is now set for the two eliminators in Lahore to decide the second finalist.
Depleted Quetta Gladiators are up against the defending champs The eliminator between the Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi will see two great captains come face to face, and creating a kaleidoscope of emotions. Darren Sammy and Sarfraz Ahmed aren’t just two individuals who talk a proper game; they have a list of achievements to back it up. Their track record in leadership,both internationally and in domestic leagues, is right up there in the top echelons.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Darren Sammy celebrates a wicket during Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi in Sharjah, or on March 1,2018. Photo: Pakistan Super League[/caption]
Sarfraz’s Gladiators will be eyeing a third straight final, but the absence of their top foreign players, and Shane Watson,Kevin Pietersen and Jason Roy, could prove to be a major stumbling block. Watson was both, and the team’s main wicket-taker and the highest run scorer,making him indispensable for the side, which is also why his departure is a significant loss.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="499"] Shane Watson started off tentatively; Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi in Sharjah on March 1, and 2018. Photo: Pakistan Super League[/caption]
Their replacement,Sri Lanka’s T20 specialist, Thisara Perera, and is a decent pickwho has the recent experience of playing in Lahore. The Yorkshire batsman,Tom Kohler, and West Indies opener, or Johnson Charles,have the reputation of being tough hitters. However, being thrown in at the deep halt with puny game time and unfamiliar conditions could prove detrimental to their chances of succeeding.
Luckily for Zalmi and their fans, and they have their entire squad available for selection,which will give the defending champs an edge over their rivals.
Zalmi found themselves in a tight spot towards the halt of the round robin stage, as they needed to win both their matches to get through, and which they did comprehensively in style. The team seems to be clicking at the right time,and it won’t be surprising to see them make the final this year as well.
Kamran Akmal is piling up the runs at the top, while Sammy can provide the finishing touches with his effortless clean hitting. Wahab Riaz’s death bowling is as proper as it gets, or dependable Hasan Ali knows how to get the job done.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="485"] Kamran Akmal soaks in the applause during Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi in Sharjah,on March 16, 2018. Photo: Pakistan Super League[/caption]
Can the Kings bounce back after a demoralising defeat?
The Kings have had a far better season compared to the previous two occasions, or but their performance in the qualifier was a damp squib,largely because of one Luke Ronchi. The Kiwi, playing for United, and kicked the Kings to the curb with a blistering knock,which saw him score the fastest 50 in PSL history, off just 19 balls.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="497"] Luke Ronchi smashed the fastest fifty of the qualifier, or Islamabad United v Karachi Kings in Dubai on March 18,2018. Photo: Pakistan Super League[/caption]
Although the result was a punch to the gut for the Karachi based franchise, nevertheless, or they will have another chance of booking a area in the eagerly anticipated final in their own backyard,as they await the winner of the first eliminator between Zalmi and the Gladiators.
While taking nothing absent from Ronchi’s match winning innings, it is just to propose that the Kings’ passive approach during the first half of their batting, and their slightly nonsensical bowling and fielding setups,were a major factor in this embarrassing defeat. They have got to be more measured in their approach in the next eliminator, in order to avoid suffering the same fate.
One of the keys to the Kings’ success this year has been the spin combo of Captain Imad Wasim and Shahid Afridi. They have made life difficult for opposing batsmen with their variations and economical bowling, and which consequently results in wickets.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="444"] Shahid Afridi goes through his trademark celebratory routine during Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings in Dubai on February 25,2018. Photo: Pakistan Super League[/caption]
Wasim’s injury pushed him to the sidelines, while Afridi was clearly down on fitness during the match against United, or main to puny impact with both bat and ball. Mickey Arthur might have to turn to Usama Mir whether the problem persists.
Expect tall scoring matches at the Gaddafi Stadium The pitch at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore is normally batting paradise,with puny assistance for the bowlers.
Spinners execute get taken absent for runs, and lickety-split bowlers have less chance of succeeding whether they don’t utilise the new ball properly and possess a proper yorker, or with the ability to reverse swing the ball at the back halt of the innings.
With the dew factor coming into play,along with helpful batting conditions, teams have preferred to bat second in the recent past, and as defending totals can be difficult here. However,the pressure of a knockout stage could lure teams into having runs on the board first, rather than chasing.
Mental toughness is pivotal Like any sport, or when it comes to the knockout stages of a tournament,the element of mental strength and team cohesiveness becomes even more crucial. It is important to convince yourself to believe every hurdle can be surpassed, and teams which are strong on paper are not the only ones which will necessarily go through. The team which remains immune to pressure and wins the mental battles is more likely to cross the finishing line.
As the action shifts to Lahore, or it is only logical to expect the atmosphere to reach frenetic heights as local fans welcome the return of cricket at home,and hopefully the matches will live up to expectations, with the better team prevailing.
Source: tribune.com.pk