Which side will win Pakistan Super League's 7th edition?

[MenInG]

Multan Sultans were very strong last time - but Lahore showed signs of life too! Karachi, Quetta, Islamabad and Peshawar will also fancy their chances this time but which side will win this time?

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Quetta vs Peshawar in the Finals.

Quetta will win.

 

[shamaan]

Islamabad,Lohare,Quetta and Peshawar should make the Semi Final.

Islamabad and Lohare Final.

Islamabad will win the tournament.

 

[MenInG]

So getting close the start of this years tournament!

Who will win?

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

So getting close the start of this years tournament!

Who will win?

It’s between Islamabad United and Islamabad United, for me.

 

[sweep_shot]

I vote for Multan Sultans.

 

[MenInG]

Karachi Kings in serious danger of not making it to the top if they play this way.

 

[MenInG]

 

[Barragan]

MS, QG, IU and to some extent LQ, are head and shoulders better than the other teams.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pleasant viewing if your team is Multan Sultans <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QGvsMS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QGvsMS</a> <a href="https://t.co/9wYzcu6hLs">pic.twitter.com/9wYzcu6hLs</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1488217618385444868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[Major]

While quetta is under a joker of a captain, yet i would say be careful against this team. Iftikhar is someone who is very a crucial player and a game changer. He could had won it today but missed the oppurtunity..

With this guy at no.5 or 6, Quetta can pull of difficult games. He almost did it today but he was facing a captain who is also quite smart aswell.

I believe the trophy run would be between quetta or multan..

Isb while i voted for them, they will mess it up. Their bowling is one dimensional, relying on too much pace and shadab not ready to play any other spinner than himself

 

[Shaddy86]

ISB will outscore most oppositions out of the game. The match against Multan will set the tone for them. I reckon ISB will fly through to another final then it's anyone's game on the day.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Multan gonna take it home again

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Multan Sultans 8 points already<br>6 points clear at the top of the table<br>The only unbeaten team in PSL 7<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/oGFu06XlPi">pic.twitter.com/oGFu06XlPi</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1488581443131432962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[Civil]

Multan vs United in the final... The result will depend on the toss and form that day. I would take Multan with khushdil and tahir type of players who are x-factors.

 

[Maher96]

Multan look like favourites, lets see how the rest of the matches unfold.

Id like a QG vs MS final.

Sarfraz vs Rizwan.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

QG have some great players but unfortunately they are led by a miserable malcontent who wants to make the others just as miserable as he is. He is a liability with the gloves, he is a liability as captain constantly demoralizing his bowlers and he is especially a liability with the bat at a position as crucial as No.4.

Multan Sultans have the most balanced side in the tournament. Will be interesting to see if they can maintain this momentum. Their bowling still needs some fine-tuning but they are comfortably the favorites at this point.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

ISB will outscore most oppositions out of the game. The match against Multan will set the tone for them. I reckon ISB will fly through to another final then it's anyone's game on the day.

Islamabad's high-risk approach can yield high rewards, but it can also go badly awry on the day. Their side is packed with power-hitters but they don't have an anchor who can play through the innings and maintain his cool. That's a major weakness to have. Especially when your bowling can also take a tonk on the day too.

 

[shamaan]

Islamabad's high-risk approach can yield high rewards, but it can also go badly awry on the day. Their side is packed with power-hitters but they don't have an anchor who can play through the innings and maintain his cool. That's a major weakness to have. Especially when your bowling can also take a tonk on the day too.

They had an anchor Mubasir but unfortunately they couldn't use that anchor in this match due to the RR.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

They had an anchor Mubasir but unfortunately they couldn't use that anchor in this match due to the RR.

An emerging player playing his first season cannot be relied on to be an anchor.

 

[Coolcapri]

MS bowling is weak if opposition can target Imran Tahir than they are in trouble.
IU need to add another spinner in there attack, Need more variety, To one dimensional.
LQ need to get rid of retire player like Samit, Also batting need to click as you can't expect FZ to score in each match.
QG need better planning, It was good the see how NS bowled, they need wrist spinner.
PZ, they will get better with player coming in, But need more spinning options.
KK, Need to click as a team, Play freely. Take the game to opposition and Babar need to be smart in bowling matchup like Rizwan is.

Anyone can win but MS almost guaranteed top 2 position. You can't write other team off yet.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lahore Qalandars move up to second place, whilst Peshawar Zalmi stay in fifth position <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LQvPZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LQvPZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHYYR9nCDx">pic.twitter.com/WHYYR9nCDx</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1488942297186291715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Islamabad United move up to 2nd place whilst Quetta Gladiators are struggling again with just one win out of 4 matches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IUvQG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IUvQG</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y1jWHBrhXQ">pic.twitter.com/Y1jWHBrhXQ</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1489303394179334147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[shamaan]

An emerging player playing his first season cannot be relied on to be an anchor.

So then theirs no point in playing Mubasir unless he's going to bowl 3 overs.

 

[Shaddy86]

Islamabad's high-risk approach can yield high rewards, but it can also go badly awry on the day. Their side is packed with power-hitters but they don't have an anchor who can play through the innings and maintain his cool. That's a major weakness to have. Especially when your bowling can also take a tonk on the day too.

T20 cricket doesn't require anchors when you have solid hitters that can go on for a few overs. It's a very typical Pakistani mentality to anchor the innings and then go beserk at the end. That kind of approach will never get you to 230 runs and forget about ever chasing it down. The fact that ISB still had Asif Ali in the tank is even scarier. I love the way ISB go on about their business and it makes it very entertaining to watch them play. Very different to other teams, which adds a lot of spice to this league.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

T20 cricket doesn't require anchors when you have solid hitters that can go on for a few overs. It's a very typical Pakistani mentality to anchor the innings and then go beserk at the end. That kind of approach will never get you to 230 runs and forget about ever chasing it down. The fact that ISB still had Asif Ali in the tank is even scarier. I love the way ISB go on about their business and it makes it very entertaining to watch them play. Very different to other teams, which adds a lot of spice to this league.

If you think any team can go out and score 230 on a consistent basis, you are utterly deluded. It's entertaining cricket but the probability of this kind of a strategy blowing up in your face is very high.

Having a versatile line-up with an anchor, guys who can play on multiple gears and pure power-hitters is a much more sound strategy for T20 cricket if you are looking to win consistently.

When you're 20-3 you can't exactly smash your way to 230.

People such as yourself always assume that T20 is a format that is all about bashing and hitting sixes. But there are much greater nuances to this format. And such a brand of cricket can only work so many times before it fails spectacularly. Playing according to the situation is what matters, not going out targeting 230 everytime regardless of the pitch, conditions or quality of opposition.

 

[Shaddy86]

If you think any team can go out and score 230 on a consistent basis, you are utterly deluded. It's entertaining cricket but the probability of this kind of a strategy blowing up in your face is very high.

Having a versatile line-up with an anchor, guys who can play on multiple gears and pure power-hitters is a much more sound strategy for T20 cricket if you are looking to win consistently.

When you're 20-3 you can't exactly smash your way to 230.

People such as yourself always assume that T20 is a format that is all about bashing and hitting sixes. But there are much greater nuances to this format. And such a brand of cricket can only work so many times before it fails spectacularly. Playing according to the situation is what matters, not going out targeting 230 everytime regardless of the pitch, conditions or quality of opposition.

People such as myself? What are you 12? You can judge me from my one post and generalise my thoughts and personality just like that?

You've clearly graduated from the school of Misbah. I have seen enough cricket to know that if there are 4/5 quality batsmen with ability to hold their wickets and hit then you do not require any anchors. There is no over thinking required in this format, hold onto your wickets on good deliveries, pay respect to the pitch and yes smash everything else. High risk high reward, which you do not get with your anchors. An anchor will never get you to a total out of the opponent's reach but the batting line up that ISB have, they're more likely to do that than any other team in the tournament. Just wait and see.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Warning - you may not want to look at this tweet if your team is Karachi Kings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://t.co/HJXvWDtaXt">pic.twitter.com/HJXvWDtaXt</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1489665298496212995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[RedwoodOriginal]

People such as myself? What are you 12? You can judge me from my one post and generalise my thoughts and personality just like that?

You've clearly graduated from the school of Misbah. I have seen enough cricket to know that if there are 4/5 quality batsmen with ability to hold their wickets and hit then you do not require any anchors. There is no over thinking required in this format, hold onto your wickets on good deliveries, pay respect to the pitch and yes smash everything else. High risk high reward, which you do not get with your anchors. An anchor will never get you to a total out of the opponent's reach but the batting line up that ISB have, they're more likely to do that than any other team in the tournament. Just wait and see.

You know its ironic that you're calling me a 12 year old for "generalizing your thoughts" when you are doing THE EXACT SAME THING above lol.

Oh yeah? And what exactly qualifies as a batsman who can "hold onto their wicket"? You are so utterly deluded that you are describing an anchor without even knowing it.

As far as the IU line-up is concerned, at most you could say that Alex Hales is someone who can 'hold onto his wicket' if the situation demanded it. He averages 30 in T20s and been successful as an ODI batsman. The rest pretty much all average in the 20s and strike well above 130. That's not someone who can "hold onto their wicket".

 

[finalfantasy7]

multan or islamabad

 

[Maher96]

Lahore have a very good chance this year. Seem to have found a good balance with players hitting form.

MS are current champions and it’s their title to defend.

IU are the third most favourable to win for me.

 

[shamaan]

I think it's between Islamabad,Multan and Lohare.


Lohare have the best bowling line up.
Islambad have the best batting line up.
Multan have the all basis covered.

 

[MenInG]

 

[asadee]

Inshallah it won't be Lahore

 

[finalfantasy7]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 out of 5 for Multan Sultans - they're on a different level to the other teams at the moment <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://t.co/O8y4mHiBGm">pic.twitter.com/O8y4mHiBGm</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1490028973493039115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Islamabad United move up to 2nd place, whilst Karachi Kings might want to start thinking about PSL 8 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IUvsKK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IUvsKK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://t.co/8xOyei1mA0">pic.twitter.com/8xOyei1mA0</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1490388438167793668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[hasanali]

Very strange edition this one. Half of the teams are absolutely dreadful and the other half are very competitive.

 

[transparent opacity]

I'll put my money on IU.

Their destructive batting line up is going to make the difference.

MS will have a bad day and i think it'll be during the play offs.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Lahore Qalandars but if Rashid leaves, that is definitely going to mess up their bowling attacks balance.

 

[Maher96]

 

[Hassaan HS]

Lahore qalandars are doing great in this psl seems they can lift the trophy of psl 2022 also fans are waiting for too long to see their team lifting the trophy

 

[MenInG]

Have a feeling Islamabad will pip Multan to the finish line

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated table for the Multan Sultans Super League <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://t.co/TTUxXfOfZ9">pic.twitter.com/TTUxXfOfZ9</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1491842744586842117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Multan Sultans lose for the first time in PSL7 whilst Lahore Qalandars move up to 2nd place <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSvsLQ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSvsLQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/FafNalbBTP">pic.twitter.com/FafNalbBTP</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1492205746204954627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quetta Gladiators with back to back wins. They look a different side with Jason Roy at the top of their batting order <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://t.co/fTWYHfxsSk">pic.twitter.com/fTWYHfxsSk</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1492564810105561088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[Rana]

Just voted now

I’m going for Lahore Qalandars

 

[CricVet]

It is such a tough call this year. I cannot think of one. Lahore does have the best bowling and dangerous top order. If I have to choose one, Lahore is my pick as well. Any of the top 4 can win. Sultans have the best odds as of now obviously.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated PSL 7 table. Edited not to cause upset or offence to Karachi Kings fans <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PZvKK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PZvKK</a> <a href="https://t.co/6PVSpLQ2Hu">pic.twitter.com/6PVSpLQ2Hu</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1492849965332410372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[shamaan]

Just voted now

I’m going for Lahore Qalandars

It all depends how they do without Rashid.

 

[Maher96]

 

[Slim]

Lahore to win, hopefully!

 

[shamaan]

I would like to see multan and Lohare final

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Important win for Peshawar Zalmi sees them move ahead of Quetta Gladiators and into the top 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PZvQG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PZvQG</a> <a href="https://t.co/jtV27MSogJ">pic.twitter.com/jtV27MSogJ</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1493655830222319622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The distance between Multan and Karachi by road is over 800km.<br><br>The distance between Multan and Karachi in the PSL is 14 points.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKvsMS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKvsMS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZcTdw4xdJx">pic.twitter.com/ZcTdw4xdJx</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1494018935171207168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 wins in a row for Peshawar Zalmi sees them move up to 3rd place in the table <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IUvPZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IUvPZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XqGYG1zkbJ">pic.twitter.com/XqGYG1zkbJ</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1494384917236563969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[Bilal Ahmad15]

Multan gonna take it home again

Multan are still going to be the winners

 

[shamaan]

Multan are still going to be the winners

If Lahore Qalandars had Rashid then I would definitely go with them.

 

[CricVet]

I would like to see multan and Lohare final

Now Islamabad after plethora of injuries/lack of availability of players are pretty much out, this WILL happen in all likelihood!

 

[Last Monetarist]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated points table:<br><br>Multan Sultans now confirmed to finish top<br><br>Lahore Qalandars & Peshawar Zalmi have qualified<br><br>Islamabad United in a good position to finish as the 4th qualifier<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHK579CH7g">pic.twitter.com/WHK579CH7g</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1494744287510253583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shamaan]

Now Islamabad after plethora of injuries/lack of availability of players are pretty much out, this WILL happen in all likelihood!

Hopefully they are the best two teams in my opinion.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated points table:<br><br>Multan Sultans now confirmed to finish top<br><br>Lahore Qalandars & Peshawar Zalmi have qualified<br><br>Islamabad United in a good position to finish as the 4th qualifier<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHK579CH7g">pic.twitter.com/WHK579CH7g</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1494744287510253583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So Quetta Gladiators need a miracle. They need to beat Karachi Kings by a huge margin and hope Multan Sultans thrash Islamabad United <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/jUF1UgnWPM">pic.twitter.com/jUF1UgnWPM</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1495316284191485953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another disappointing season for Quetta Gladiators. Time for some big decisions and a re-think needed if they want to be challenging for the PSL title once again <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/N3VBupqSIl">pic.twitter.com/N3VBupqSIl</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1495521138734157830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[ali_zee]

Multan sultan seems set to win this one
Only challenge is from lahore but without Rashid khan it will not be easy

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final group table means:<br><br>Qualifier - Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars (winner into the final)<br><br>Eliminator 1 – Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi<br><br>Eliminator 2 – Loser from Qualifier v Winner of Eliminator 1<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/iXur2gEJns">pic.twitter.com/iXur2gEJns</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1495835291793432578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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[Savak]

The benefit of ending in the top 2 is that you get a second chance to make it back in the tournament after one bad day in the office

 

[MenInG]

 

[Coolcapri]

MS look strongest as they have full strength team, LQ will miss Rashid but if there Openers clicks than anything can happened.

 

[MenInG]

After 30 thrilling and exciting league matches, it is time for the big ones in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 when defending champions Multan Sultans take on Lahore Qalandars in Wednesday’s Qualifier and Peshawar Zalmi go toe to toe against Islamabad United in Eliminator 1.

The winner of Wednesday fixture will progress to Sunday’s final, while the losing side will have another opportunity to qualify for the title match when they will meet Thursday’s winner on Friday.

In this glorious game of uncertainties, it is always difficult to predict winners but on present form, it appears the sides meeting on Wednesday may again face off against each other on Sunday.

Defending champions Multan Sultans won a record nine matches on their way to the playoff stage, while Lahore Qalandars lost four matches, including a Super Over thriller against Peshawar Zalmi on Monday. This gave Peshawar Zalmi their sixth win to tie with Lahore Qalandars, but were placed third on net run-rate. Islamabad United’s four wins were enough to put them in the top-four ahead of Quetta Gladiators (on net run-rate), while Karachi Kings managed just one win in 10 matches.

In the double-league stage, Sultans defeated Qalandars by five wickets but Qalandars came back strongly to win the return match by a convincing 52-run margin. Similar is the story between Zalmi and United. United recorded a one-sided nine-wicket victory in the first match between the two sides at the National Stadium, before Zalmi held their serves to register a 10-run victory at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Overall, Sultans appears to be the side that has all its bases covered.

In this edition, they have posted totals of 245-3 (v Quetta Gladiators), 222-3 (v Peshawar Zalmi), 217-5 (v Islamabad United) and 209-5 (v Lahore Qalandars). And this is reflected in the batting table on which Mohammad Rizwan is sitting second with 479 runs and his fellow opener Shan Masood is third on 457 runs.

Sultans’ wrist-spinner Imran Tahir is second most successful bowler with 16 wickets, while left-arm spinner Khushdil Shah has 15 wickets. Shahnawaz Dahani has bagged 13 wickets. The three have contributed to keep the opposition to low scores. Qalandars’ 206 for five was the highest total against Sultans, though Sultans won that game by five wickets following a 150-run stand between Shan Masood (83) and Mohammad Rizwan (69). The lowest total against Sultans was 105-7, scored by Islamabad United on Sunday.

Despite their title-drought, Lahore Qalandars remain the fans’ favourite. And this edition, they have displayed that they have the potential, talent and skill to end the disappointment.

Fakhar Zaman with 521 runs is the most successful batter while Kamran Ghulam has scored 234 runs, Mohammad Hafeez 226 runs, Harry Brook 208 runs and Abdullah Shafique 180 runs. Amongst the bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi has led from the front and by example by claiming 15 wickets, followed by Zaman Khan (14 wickets) and Haris Rauf (13 wickets). Rashid Khan also picked up 13 wickets but will not be available as he is now on national duty.

Islamabad’s batting has revolved around Alex Hales (255 runs), Shadab Khan (232 runs) and Paul Stirling (187). However, Hales and Stirling will definitely not be available, while there is a question mark on Shadab Khan. This makes Azam Khan the only in-form batter with 228 runs at a staggering strike-rate of 143.

In the bowling, Shadab Khan leads the pack with 17 wickets, while Waqas Maqsood has picked up 11 wickets.

Salman Irshad is Peshawar Zalmi’s most successful bowler with 12 wickets, followed by Wahab Riaz (nine wickets) and Usman Qadir (eight wickets), while Shoaib Malik has been leading the batting responsibilities with 346 runs, followed by Ben Cutting (197 runs) and Hazratullah Zarzai (170 runs).

When these sides will take the field on Wednesday and Thursday, it will be a new day, a new surface and a new match. And as experts say, sides that will capitalise on most of the opportunities will come out winners.

As such, all to look out for and a lot to play for over the next three days. But irrespective of the outcomes of these matches, the overwhelming response from the fans have undoubtedly made this year’s HBL PSL the most successful and viewed competition.