Rawalpindi’s cricket fever hit a new high on April 13 as Quetta Gladiators won the toss and chose to chase in their clash against Lahore Qalandars in the fourth match of Pakistan Super League’s tenth season. The coin flip, under the floodlights at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, set the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two teams itching to make their mark early in the tournament.
Quetta’s captain, Saud Shakeel, didn’t hesitate. With a nod to the conditions—perhaps eyeing a dewy evening that could favor bowlers first up—he sent Shaheen Afridi’s Lahore Qalandars to the crease. The decision raised eyebrows among the packed stands, given Lahore’s batting firepower, but it showed Quetta’s confidence in their bowling attack, led by Mohammad Amir and Akeal Hosein.
Lahore Qalandars, coming off a bruising loss to Islamabad United, rolled out a formidable lineup: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings as wicketkeeper, Sikandar Raza, Jahandad Khan, Rishad Hossain, captain Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Asif Afridi. It’s a squad that screams depth, with Zaman and Shafique tasked to set a blistering pace.
Quetta, fresh from a thumping win over Peshawar Zalmi, stuck with their winning formula. Their XI featured Shakeel leading the charge, alongside Finn Allen, Hasan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis behind the stumps, Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq. Rossouw’s form and Amir’s swing make them a threat, but they’ll need to be razor-sharp to tame Lahore’s batsmen.
The Rawalpindi pitch, known for its bounce and carry, promised a lively contest. Umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown took their posts, with Rashid Riaz as the third umpire and Nadeem Arshad refereeing. Both teams, deadlocked with nine wins each in their 18 previous PSL encounters, know this game could tilt the psychological edge.
As Lahore’s openers strode out, the crowd buzzed with anticipation. Quetta’s bowlers, warming up with purpose, looked ready to pounce. The stage was set for a classic PSL battle, with every run and wicket poised to shift the momentum in this unforgiving league.