📅 April 12, 2025 | 🕢 4:00 PM (IST) | 🏟️ Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Contents
🟠 Team Overview
The Peshawar Zalmi (PES) and Quetta Gladiators (QUE) are all set to lock horns in the second match of PSL 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both teams have a blend of experienced players and young talent, making them serious contenders for the title.
Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, has been one of the most consistent teams in PSL history, regularly qualifying for the playoffs. They boast key players like Saim Ayub, Alzarri Joseph, and Mohammad Haris, and their ability to perform under pressure makes them a formidable force in this year’s competition.
Quetta Gladiators, on the other hand, led by Saud Shakeel, will look to bounce back after finishing fourth in PSL 2024. With players like Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Abrar Ahmed, they possess the firepower to challenge any team. Their struggle in recent seasons has been evident, but they are determined to start afresh in PSL 2025.
🤝 Head-to-Head Record
In their 23 encounters in the PSL, Peshawar Zalmi has the upper hand with 13 wins, while Quetta Gladiators has won 10. The most recent match between these two teams saw Peshawar hammer Quetta by 76 runs in 2024. In matches at Rawalpindi, Zalmi has a 2-1 advantage. The head-to-head record suggests a tight rivalry, with Peshawar having a slight edge.
Matches Played: 23
Peshawar Zalmi (PES) Wins: 13
Quetta Gladiators (QUE) Wins: 10
Last Result (2024): Peshawar Zalmi defeated Quetta Gladiators by 76 runs
Rawalpindi Record: PES 2-1 QUE
🏟️ Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its favorable conditions for bowlers, especially pacers and spinners. The surface often provides assistance to bowlers with good line and length, making it a tough ground for batsmen. Daytime games at this venue tend to see challenging conditions for chasing targets, as dew is not expected to play a role.
Bowlers will need to capitalize on the early overs during the Powerplay, while batters must focus on rotating strike and building partnerships in the middle overs.
Weather-wise, the conditions are expected to be clear, with no major disruptions expected for the match.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
Peshawar Zalmi:
Babar Azam (C): The Pakistan captain is in superb form, having dominated T20 cricket in the past year. His consistency is crucial for Zalmi, and his ability to anchor the innings will be a key factor in their success.
Alzarri Joseph: The West Indian pacer is an impactful bowler, capable of taking wickets in crucial stages of the game.
Quetta Gladiators:
Finn Allen: The dynamic opener is known for his aggressive stroke play. If Allen gets going, he can put the opposition under pressure right from the start.
Abrar Ahmed: The leg-spinner has been in excellent form recently and could prove to be a match-winner on a pitch that aids slower bowlers.
🔮 Match Prediction
Considering the overall form and consistency of Peshawar Zalmi, they are likely to have the upper hand in this encounter. Their well-rounded squad and recent performances suggest they will edge out Quetta Gladiators, who will need a solid start from their openers and a breakthrough performance from their bowlers.
However, Quetta Gladiators have the potential for an upset, especially if their star players step up. It could be a competitive contest, but Peshawar Zalmi is expected to come out on top.
📉 Form Guide
Peshawar Zalmi (PES): Zalmi has been one of the most consistent teams in the PSL, making it to the playoffs in every season so far. In 2024, they finished as the fourth-ranked team and are aiming to break their title drought since 2017.
Quetta Gladiators (QUE): Quetta’s journey has been a bit erratic in recent seasons. Although they reached the playoffs in 2024, their performance was below expectations, and they are looking to find stability under the leadership of Saud Shakeel in 2025.
🎯 In the Spotlight
Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam: As the captain and one of the world’s best T20 batsmen, all eyes will be on Babar Azam to lead his team and play a match-winning knock.
Quetta Gladiators’ Finn Allen: His aggressive batting at the top of the order can turn the game in Quetta’s favor if he gets off to a good start.
📊 Key Stats
Babar Azam has 255 runs in the head-to-head against Quetta, with an average of 63.75 and a strike rate of 164.51.
Shoaib Malik has 203 runs in this rivalry, making him a valuable asset for Quetta Gladiators.
Abrar Ahmed has been a standout performer with the ball, and he could be the key for Quetta in the middle overs.
📋 Squads
Peshawar Zalmi (PES):
Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (WK), Mohammad Haris, Najibullah Zadran, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Arif Yaqoob, Nahid Rana
Quetta Gladiators (QUE):
Finn Allen, Kusal Mendis (WK), Saud Shakeel (C), Mark Chapman, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Kyle Jamieson, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr
✅ Conclusion
The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators promises to be a thrilling encounter in PSL 2025. With strong squads, both teams are capable of winning, but Peshawar Zalmi’s consistency and depth give them the edge. Quetta Gladiators, however, will be looking to upset the odds and make a strong statement in the tournament. Expect a hard-fought battle between bat and ball, with a slight advantage to Peshawar Zalmi based on their current form and head-to-head record.
This is one match you won’t want to miss, as it could set the tone for the rest of the season!
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