IU vs QG Match Preview
An in-form Quetta Gladiators team, who have won two successive matches this PSL season, will play an Islamabad United outfit that have won one and lost one fixture this year. Both XIs will be highly motivated to collect another victory on Thursday.
Saud Shakeel and Jason Roy are the Quetta batters to watch. They will probably open the batting again and have the collective opportunity to score quickly during the powerplay, when the fielding restrictions are limited. Shakeel and Roy hit 74 and 75, respectively, in victory over Peshawar Zalmi recently.
Akeal Hosein could be Quetta's kingpin with the ball again. The West Indies spinner has taken three wickets this PSL season. He should open the bowling again, when slower bowling can get the better of batters anticipating pace on the ball.
Agha Salman is the standout pick with the bat for Islamabad. His 2024 PSL campaign has started with back-to-back half-centuries - and he could be in line for a third in a row here. Salman's last match in Lahore produced 64 not out against Lahore. He's familiar with conditions here.
Weather Report
No rain is forecast around the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on matchday. Hot and humid conditions, which are characteristic to this region, are anticipated on Thursday.
Pitch Report
This is a high-scoring ground. It has produced three 180-plus first-innings total this PSL season so far. Both teams will need a varied bowling attack to combat the potential for big scores. It's well worth picking two spinners per XI.
Notable stats
Agha Salman in form
Islamabad United's Salman is the third-highest run-scorer in the 2024 PSL with 116 in two innings. In a T20 World Cup year, he is pushing for national selection again.
Team News
The Quetta Gladiators will likely retain West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford in their XI. Whether Islamabad United keep England batter Alex Hales at the top of the order remains in the balance.
IU vs QG Probable 11
IU Playing 11
- Colin Munro
- Alex Hales
- Agha Salman
- Jordan Cox
- Azam Khan (Wk)
- Imad Wasim
- Shadab Khan (C)
- Faheem Ashraf
- Nassem Shah
- Ubaid Shah
- Tymal Mills
QG Playing 11
- Jason Roy
- Saud Shakeel
- Khawaja Nafay
- Rilee Rossouw (C)
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (Wk)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Akeal Hosein
- Mohammad Wasim
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Mohammad Amir
- Abrar Ahmed
Dream11 Prediction
Quetta will likely take the momentum collected from two wins in a row into this match. United have been off colour - and evidently are going to be hard pressed to win another PSL title this year.
Top Picks
Agha Salman: Select this top local talent and look forward to a telling performance with the bat.
Tymal Mills: For a fast bowler with lethal slower variations, look no further than this England star.
Shadab Khan: As one of the leading all-rounders in the tournament, the Islamabad captain is a must in any Dream11.
IU vs QG Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Jordan Cox
Batters: Alex Hales, Jason Roy
All-rounders: Shadab Khan (C), Imad Wasim (VC), Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman
Bowlers: Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir
