Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators – 05/03/2020

Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Match Preview – Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News and Predictions – 5/3/2020

Peshawar Zalmi have the opportunity to pounce on the defending champions Quetta Gladiators, who were stunned by the bottom-of-the-log Lahore Qalandars earlier this week. Lahore found and exploited Quetta’s weaknesses – and Zalmi can do the same.

The latest betting odds for the PSL still have Quetta as favourites to win despite their defeat to Lahore. Understandably, too, as Zalmi have only won of their last five matches against the Gladiators. That victory came earlier in the 2020 PSL, when Kamran Akmal hit a century.

Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators – Match Preview

Where: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

When: Thursday, 5 March 2020

Pitch conditions: Lahore and Quetta shared more than 380 runs in Tuesday’s high-scoring affair. The same strip won’t likely be used, but even neighbouring decks have seen totals of around 160-odd be competitive. It’s worth playing two specialist spinners here.

Weather conditions: Wet weather in Rawalpindi has already washed out one match in the 2020 PSL – and is threatening to do the same in Lahore. A 90 percent chance of rain in the city is predicted for Thursday. Hopefully, there will enough dry time to get in a match, even if abbreviated.

Start Time: 19:30 (IST), 14:00 (GMT)

Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators – Latest Odds

Peshawar Zalmi and the Quetta Gladiators are priced at 2.00 and 1.80, respectively, by bet365 to win this match. Their ‘Player Performance’ and ‘Race to 10 Runs’ markets are attractive side bets as well, for those looking for additional interest outside of the outright markets.

Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators – Team News

Zalmi played without captain Darren Sammy during Monday’s defeat to the Karachi Kings. There are rumours that Sammy and Zalmi have had a fallout, but it might have just been a move toward his progression as an off-field mentor after being a player. Time will tell whether fast bowler Wahab Riaz leads the side again. Zalmi definitely need more from opening batsman Tom Banton and Kamran Akmal. The former has put together a string of starts, but not really converted. They may well play leg-spinner Yasir Shah instead of seamer Rahat Ali again.

The Gladiators might want to reconsider their combinations after losing to Lahore, or could just stick with the same XI – more or less – and trust the wrongs will quickly be corrected. Pakistan-born Australian leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed was returned to the XI against Lahore – and could be retained. Quetta have plenty of power at the top of the order, with Shane Wastson and Jason Roy a hard-hitting combo, but they need to deliver individually or collectively. Ben Cutting, meanwhile, can’t be left to oblige on cue with bat and ball each and every time. Support is necessary.

Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators – Squads

Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators – Betting Tips and Prediction

The Zalmi vs Gladiators rivalry has been pretty one-sided over the last couple of years, but some free cricket betting tips suggest this match will be tighter than expected. Many cricket predictions for the PSL were proven wrong recently, when Lahore beat Quetta. Let’s see how this one pans out. We’ve got some helpful PSL betting tips for you.

Watson and Akmal to wallop through the powerplay

The ‘Team to Make Highest First 6 Overs Score’ market from bet365 is a particular favourite. It’s a team bet, yes, but relies on the openers and perhaps the third batsman to carry it. This will likely pit Watson, Roy and Ahsan Ali against Banton, Akmal and Haider Ali against each other. Both teams are priced at 1.90 to have the most runs after the opening six-over powerplay, but Banton and colleagues are looking the most probable to do so.

Hasnain to have another fine day for Quetta

Mohammad Hasnain is certainly a star for the future. The 19-year-old has already played five ODIs and six T20Is for Pakistan. Based on his current form in the Paksitan Super League, he will go on to play a lot more. He started with a PSL four-for and three-for in Karachi, before averaging at least a wicket every match since at other venues. Hasnain has 10 in total – and is priced at 2.87 by bet365 to be the top bowler for the Gladiators this time. If not him, then England fast bowler Tymal Mills at 5.00 in the same category. Mills has a masterful slower ball, which is primed for success in these conditions.

Best Bet: Zalmi to score more runs than Quetta after opening six overs at 1.90 with bet365