Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi Prediction: Lahore yet to win game

Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi are going head to head in the 17th Match of Pakistan Super League at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan on 02 Mar 2024. Lahore are yet to win a game in this year's competition. Who will win this game of cricket?

The current champions are currently experiencing a poor run of form, losing all six matches played and are at the bottom of the points table. With only four matches remaining, the Qalandars desperately need a win to stay in contention for qualification. Aside from Rassie van der Dussen and Sahibzada Farhan, Lahore's batting has been disappointing. Van der Dussen is performing well individually, ranking second in top scorers for the season. Sahibzada has scored three half-centuries in six innings, showing promise at the top of the order. However, the middle order, consisting of Sikandar Raza, Carlos Brathwaite, and Jahandad Khan, has struggled. Fakhar Zaman has also had a tough time and is averaging just 15.5 in six innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken nine wickets, but the absence of Haris Rauf has weakened the seam attack. The spinners have also struggled to take wickets and have been expensive.

Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen, Shai Hope, Kamran Ghulam, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), George Linde, Jahandad Khan, Salman Fayyaz, Zaman Khan

Following a quiet start, Peshawar has gained momentum and won their last three matches, securing the 3rd position on the points table. Babar Azam is currently in exceptional form, leading the season's run-scoring charts with 330 runs. He and Saim Ayub form a strong opening partnership aiming to give the team a solid start. Rovman Powell has also made valuable contributions in the lower order. Despite this, the middle order comprising of Mohammad Haris, Haseebullah Khan, and Asif Ali has struggled to score runs and will need to improve. Arif Yaqoob, who recently took a five-wicket haul, is now the team's top wicket-taker and will be key in the spin department alongside Saim Ayub. Naveen Ul-Haq, Salman Irshad, and Luke Wood have shown glimpses of good bowling and will be crucial in leading the attack with the new ball.

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Paul Walter, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Arif Yaqoob, Salman Irshad

The team that wins the toss is expected to choose to bowl first. Rawalpindi Stadium has a balanced pitch that offers both batsmen and bowlers equal opportunities. The average first-inning score at this ground is approximately 160, which is considered a par score. Fast bowlers can expect swing and movement from the seam, while batsmen will need to be cautious with the new ball. The weather in Rawalpindi is predicted to be overcast with some chances of rain, leading to potential interruptions.

Peshawar Zalmi has displayed impressive cricketing skills in the past week and appears to have a well-rounded team. Conversely, Lahore has struggled this season and may find it challenging to recover. It is advisable to place your bets on Peshawar Zalmi for the win.