The Pakistan Super League season 8 is nearing its end with the much-awaited final match between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans. This match is a rematch of the 2022 finals where the Qalandars emerged victorious by 42 runs to clinch their first-ever title. However, both teams have made significant changes to their squads since then. In this context, let’s take a closer look at the performance of both teams in the current season.
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Multan Sultans
Introduction:
The Multan Sultans have made it to the Finals of the Pakistan Super League 8 and will be facing the defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the match.
Team Analysis:
Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the Multan Sultans have assembled a strong and balanced squad. The top-order batting has been impressive with Rizwan and Usman Khan opening the innings. The middle order is well-supported by Kieron Pollard and Rilee Rossouw, while Tim David and Khushdil Shah add depth to the batting lineup.
In the bowling department, the Sultans have a formidable pace attack led by Ihsanullah and Abbas Afridi, who have taken the most wickets for the team this season. Sheldon Cottrell adds further flexibility to the bowling lineup. However, the team does lack variety in spin attack with only one specialist spinner in Usama Mir.
Recent Form:
The Sultans have had a rollercoaster ride this season but managed to finish in the second spot on the points table. They dominated the Qalandars in the Qualifier 1 match to secure their spot in the Finals.
Conclusion:
With a well-balanced squad and impressive recent form, the Multan Sultans will be a tough opposition for the Lahore Qalandars in the Finals. The team will be banking on their top-order batting and pace attack to clinch the title.
Multan Sultans Playing 11
Abbas Afridi, Anwar Ali, Ihsanullah., Khushdil Shah, Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw, Sheldon Cottrell, Timothy David, Usama Mir, Usman Khan
Lahore Qalandars
Introduction:
The Lahore Qalandars are set to defend their title against Multan Sultans in the final of the Pakistan Super League season 8.
Team Analysis:
The Qalandars have maintained their form from the previous season and have finished at the top of the points table in this edition. They boast a strong batting lineup with Fakhar Zaman leading the charge and being well supported by Mirza Baig and Abdullah Shafique at the top of the order. Sikandar Raza and Sam Billings provide a reliable middle-order, while David Weise can finish strongly. Rashid Khan and Shaheen Afridi can also contribute with the bat if needed. The Qalandars’ pace attack consisting of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan is strong, while Rashid Khan’s spin bowling in the middle overs will be crucial.
Recent Form:
The Qalandars faced a setback in Qualifier 1 but managed to win Qualifier 2 against Peshawar Zalmi to reach the final. They have been clinical throughout the tournament, relying on a team effort rather than individual performances.
Conclusion:
With a strong team effort and a balanced squad, the Qalandars will be a tough opponent for the Multan Sultans in the final of the Pakistan Super League season 8.
Lahore Qalandars Playing 11
Abdullah Shafiq, Ahsan Bhatti, David Wiese, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Rashid Khan, Sam Billings, Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza, Tahir Baig, Zaman Khan.
Team Summary
Multan Sultans:
- Led by Mohammad Rizwan
- Finished 2nd in the points table
- Defeated Lahore Qalandars by 84 runs in Qualifier 1
- Mohammad Rizwan is the top-scorer with 516 runs
- Usman Khan scored a century in just 3 matches
- Kieron Pollard and Rilee Rossouw add muscle to the middle order
- Ihsanullah and Abbas Afridi have taken 23 wickets each
- Sheldon Cottrell adds flexibility to the bowling attack
- Lack of variety in the spin attack
Lahore Qalandars:
- Defending champions
- Finished 1st in the points table
- Lost Qualifier 1 but won Qualifier 2
- Fakhar Zaman is the leading scorer with 390 runs
- Mirza Baig and Abdullah Shafique provide good starts
- Sikandar Raza and Sam Billings are reliable in the middle order
- Rashid Khan is one of the best spinners in the world
- Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan form a strong pace attack
- Team effort has been instrumental in their success
Pitch And Conditions
Weather:
There is a possibility of rain in Lahore over the weekend, which is why the Finals were rescheduled to be held on Saturday to have two reserve days. However, the chances of rain might still cause interruptions in the match.
Pitch Analysis:
The Gaddafi Stadium has a flat surface, which is excellent to bat on. In the past, the stadium has hosted many high-scoring matches, and the average first-inning score here is around 180. Teams batting first will aim to set a target of 200+ to put pressure on the opposition. The bowlers will have to work hard to restrict the batsmen on this pitch, as there is very little help available for them.
Lahore vs Multan – Betting Tips
After analyzing both teams’ performances and strengths, it is challenging to predict a clear winner in the Finals. However, we believe that the Lahore Qalandars have a slight edge over the Multan Sultans. They have shown consistent form in their batting department, with most of their top and middle-order batsmen in good form. Additionally, their bowling attack has an excellent balance, particularly in the pace department.
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