Pakistan Super League 2023: Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators – 6th Match Preview and Updates

Cricket

Karachi Kings have yet to register for the PSL 2023 season. They have lost both of their games and are currently ranked fifth on the table with a net run rate of -0.585. On February 18, they will face the Quetta Gladiators at Karachi’s National Stadium. Quetta was soundly defeated in their first match and will be hoping to make a comeback as well.

The 6th Match between Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators will take place on February 18th, 2023 at National Stadium, Karachi.

Match Details to Note

Match: Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators, 6th Match, Pakistan Super League, 2023

Date: February 18, 2023 (Saturday)

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators

Karachi Kings (Match Odds – 1.80):

Preview:

The Karachi Kings are off to a bad start this season, having lost both of their first two matches. Worse, both defeats have come at home, and Karachi will struggle to recover from this slump in form.

The batsmen have performed admirably for the Karachi Kings in both matches, scoring 197 and 173 respectively. Shoaib Malik and Imad Wasim each scored half-centuries in the opening match against the Peshawar Zalmi, albeit in a losing cause as the team was defeated by two wickets.

In the previous match, opener Sharjeel Khan and Haider Ali looked to be in good form, putting up a 77-run partnership for the second wicket. The bowling effort, on the other hand, has been a little underwhelming, with the likes of Mohammad Amir and Andrew Tye being taken for a lot of runs.

The bowling unit surrendered 199 runs in the first game and was unable to defend a good total of 173 in the second game. If the team management wants to turn things around, they will need to devise a new strategy.

Full Squad:

Sharjeel Khan, James Vince, Haider Ali, Matthew Wade(w), Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim(c), Irfan Khan, James Fuller, Andrew Tye, Muhammad Musa, Mohammad Amir, Imran Tahir, Ben Cutting, Mir Hamza, Tabraiz Shamsi, Aamer Yamin, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Umar, Muhammad Akhlaq, Tayyab Tahir

Players to watch out for:

Imad Wasim

There is no doubt that the captain must lead from the front if the Kings are to win their first game of the season in Match 6. Wasim will need to contribute with the bat in the latter stages of the batting innings if called upon after contributing with the ball in the previous game.

Haider Ali

Ali will need to continue his upward trajectory in Match 6 after scoring 59 runs off 45 balls in the previous game.

Sharjeel Khan

Sharjeel has had a good start in the batting innings for the Karachi Kings but has failed to capitalise on his chances. In Match 6, he will try to bat his way through the 20 overs.

Possible Playing XI:

James Vince, Sharjeel Khan, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Matthew Wade (wk), Imad Wasim (c), Irfan Khan, James Fuller, Andrew Tye, Muhammad Musa/ Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir

Quetta Gladiators (Match Odds – 2.00):

Preview:

The Multan Sultans outplayed and outflanked the Quetta Gladiators in the season opener. The much-touted batting line-up crumbled in the face of a bowling masterclass by young seamer Ihsanullah, who picked up his first fifer in the PSL. Only two of the Gladiators’ top six batsmen reached double figures as the team was bowled out for 110.

The bowling effort was also subpar, as they only managed one wicket while the Sultans won by nine wickets. The team will look to Jason Roy, Martin Guptill, and Iftikhar Ahmed to have a big inning here.

Naseem Shah did not get any wickets but was very economical, allowing only 6 runs in his two overs. Nuwan Thushara was the team’s lone wicket-taker, but he was very expensive. Due to a lack of quality spinners in their bowling lineup, the Quetta Gladiators will rely on part-timers such as Mohammad Hafeez and Mohammad Nawaz to keep the batsmen at bay during the middle overs.

Full Squad:

Jason Roy, Martin Guptill, Abdul Bangalzai, Sarfaraz Ahmed(w/c), Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hafeez, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Nuwan Thushara, Umaid Asif, Saud Shakeel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Qais Ahmad, Odean Smith, Omair Yousuf, Will Smeed, Mohammad Zahid, Aimal Khan

Players to watch out for:

Jason Roy

The English opening batsman has 7892 runs in 307 T20s. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable in guiding the Gladiators in Match 6.

Iftikhar Ahmed

Despite his recent form, he was unable to contribute with the bat in the team’s first game. If the Gladiators are to win their first game, Iftikhar must be among the wicket-takers and even score some crucial runs for his team.

Naseem Shah

This 20-year-old Pakistani fast bowler could be the X-factor for his team if QG’s batting order can post a decent total.

Possible Playing XI:

Jason Roy, Martin Guptill, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Mohammad Hafeez, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Abdul Bangalzai, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Nuwan Thushara

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Top Team Batsmen

The Karachi Kings’ top batting picks are Sharjeel Khan, Matthew Wade, and Haider Ali. Given that Khan and Wade are likely to open the batting for the Kings, their attacking intent could be crucial in assisting the Kings in chasing or posting a large total. Whereas Haider Ali enters Match 6 with a half-century and will most likely be looking to steady the batting ship for his team in this crucial game.

The Quetta Gladiators, on the other hand, will rely on Jason Roy, Umar Akmal, and Iftikhar Ahmed to be their leading batsmen in this game. Akmal hasn’t had many opportunities recently, but he’ll be looking to make the most of the ones he does get, while Iftikhar and Jason will be looking to start and end the Gladiators’ batting display on a high note.

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Top Team Bowlers

The Karachi Kings’ best bowling options are Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, and Andrew Tye. Given that both Amir and Tye can get unexpected bounce and swing on this wicket, Wasim would look to hand himself the responsibility of opening the Kings’ bowling attack with the new ball. In his previous game, he only allowed 19 runs in 4 overs.

The Quetta Gladiators’ bowling options are Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Nuwan Thushara. Except for Nuwan Thushara, none of them has taken a wicket in this season’s PSL, but the pace and slow-ball surprise at Naseem and Mohammad’s disposal can cause concern for the Kings’ batting unit.

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Head to Head

Despite dominating the previous two games against the Karachi Kings, the Quetta Gladiators were to establish their dominance over the same opposition in two previous games before this one.

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Head to Head Stats in T20s

	Matches Played	KAR Won	QUE Won	Tie	NR
Overall	14	5	9	0	0
Last 5	5	2	3	0	0

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Toss Prediction

The team batting second benefits from this venue. The chasing team has won 34 of the 52 PSL matches played at Karachi’s National Stadium. The team that wins the toss will most likely field first.

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Pitch Report

In the PSL, the average score for batting first at Karachi’s National Stadium is 172. In the second inning, the score is 166. Islamabad United has posted the highest total at the venue in the tournament, 238/3. In this match, the team batting first should aim for a target of around 190-200 runs.

The pitch at Karachi’s National Stadium is usually fairly flat and ideal for batting. The wicket has an even bounce that remains consistent throughout the 40 overs. Batters will have a ball here, and bowlers will most likely go for runs unless they bowl tight lines.

The weather in Karachi will be hot but clear during the game.

Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Prediction

The Karachi Kings have lost both of their first two matches, despite coming agonisingly close to winning the first and putting up a strong fight in the second. The Quetta Gladiators, on the other hand, were completely blown away by the Multan Sultans in their first match and will struggle to recover. With the home crowd behind them, we believe the Karachi Kings have the upper hand here. Check out the odds at Cricbaba!

Karachi Kings is the favourite to beat Quetta Gladiators at the odds of 1.80.