Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators Prediction: Teams have neck-to-neck record

Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators are going head to head in the 18th Match of the Pakistan Super League at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan on 02 Mar 2024. The teams have a neck-to-neck record in the PSL history. Who will win this game of cricket?

Islamabad United began their 2024 campaign with a loss to Lahore Qalandars but bounced back with three consecutive wins against Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Gladiators. Despite a loss to Karachi Kings, they have the opportunity to regain momentum with a victory over Quetta. Agha Salman and Colin Munro have been the top run-scorers for Islamabad United this season, with Salman scoring 188 runs in five innings and Munro scoring 186 runs in five innings. They exemplify the team's strong balance between local and international players and will be crucial in the upcoming match. Naseem Shah leads the team in wickets this PSL season, taking seven wickets in five matches. He is considered one of the top young fast bowlers in the tournament. Additionally, leg-spinner Shadab Khan has picked up six wickets, providing solid support to Shah.

Colin Munro, Jordan Cox, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Tymal Mills, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Hunain Shah, Haider Ali, Naseem Shah 

Before falling to the Multan Sultans, the Quetta Gladiators were on a three-match winning streak. They now have the opportunity to bounce back and prove themselves as strong contenders for the PSL title this season. Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel have been impressive with the bat, scoring 148 and 140 runs respectively in four innings. Captain Rilee Rossouw and recruit Sherfane Rutherford have also made valuable contributions. Abrar Ahmed has been exceptional with the ball, taking seven wickets in four matches with an economy rate of under eight. Akeal Hosein, another spinner, has also been performing well for the Gladiators.

Jason Roy, Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, Rilee Rossouw (c), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sohail Khan, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed

The upcoming PSL match scheduled for 2024 in Rawalpindi will be the first of its kind. In recent T20I matches held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the first-innings totals have been 193 and 164, indicating a high-scoring trend compared to other grounds in Pakistan. A competitive score would be 170-plus in the first innings, making it advisable to select two specialist slow bowlers. However, there is a possibility of thundershowers on matchday which could impact the scores.

Quetta Gladiators are favoured over Islamabad United to win this match due to their stronger batting depth and in-form bowlers. Betting odds favour Quetta as the favourites, while Islamabad stands as underdogs.