Get ready to witness a comeback like no other as it may be the hour of Quetta Gladiators’ resurgence. Once a powerhouse in the Pakistan Super League, have had a rough few seasons, failing to make it to the semis for three consecutive years. But with the stakes higher than ever, this year’s tournament promises to be a thrilling battle of the best teams in the league, and Quetta is ready to rise to the challenge!
Although their performances in the past season were lackluster, the team has stepped up their game with a stellar draft and an impressive line-up that’s sure to give their opponents a run for their money. From seasoned veterans to promising young talent, Quetta’s squad is looking more balanced and dangerous than ever before. So, let’s take a closer look at the Gladiators and see what they have in store for us this season!
Also Read: Rizwan’s Multan Sultans are ready to go one step ahead where they left last year.
Openers
Get ready for an explosive start as Quetta Gladiators boast one of the most lethal opening pairs in the PSL, second only to Islamabad. With Jason Roy and Will Smeed leading the charge, the Gladiators are sure to set the field ablaze with their dynamic performances.
Last season, Roy proved his mettle with a blistering hundred and a solid fifty in just 4 matches, while Smeed was equally impressive with two back-to-back nineties and a blazing strike rate of over 170. With Martin Guptill also in the squad, Quetta’s opening trio is a force to be reckoned with, especially in the powerplay.
And if that wasn’t enough, the Gladiators have also picked up the explosive Will Jacks as a replacement for Roy, who unfortunately will miss the first three matches. Jacks has been in red-hot form, demolishing bowlers in the recently concluded SA20 tournament, and is sure to add even more firepower to an already formidable batting line-up. So, get ready to witness some explosive cricket as Quetta Gladiators resurgence looks well set on the cards!
Middle-Order
Get ready for some Ifti-mania as Quetta Gladiators take the field with an explosive middle order! Led by the ever-reliable Sarfaraz Ahmed, this team boasts an impressive line-up that’s sure to keep the scoreboard ticking.
With two young guns, Omair Bin Yousaf and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, adding their firepower to the mix, Quetta’s middle order is a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s building on a blazing start from the openers or taking the game deep, these four have what it takes to deliver the goods for their team.
M. Hafeez also joined the squad, which added some experience to their middle-order and a little more stability.
And if you thought that was impressive, wait till you see what Ifthikhar Ahmed can do! Coming off a sensational season in the BPL, where he smashed a century and four fifties, he already showed his class in the exhibition match against Peshawar, where he hit six sixes in an over! Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Ahmed is in peak form, having scored three fifties and a hundred in the recent test against New Zealand, and four fifties in the National T20 Cup. With a middle order this balanced and explosive, Quetta Gladiators are a team to watch out for this season.
Finishers
When it comes to finishing games in style, Quetta Gladiators have plenty of options up their sleeve! With a list that includes Odean Smith, Muhammad Nawaz, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dwaine Pretorius, this team is spoiled for choice.
Odean Smith has already made a name for himself in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, where he’s been smashing every second delivery out of the park. Meanwhile, Nawaz has been a regular part of the Pakistan Cricket Team and has improved his finishing abilities in the last two years, often ending up as the hero for his team.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s story is also similar, with the Sri Lankan all-rounder establishing himself as a proper batsman and showing wonderful finishing abilities. And let’s not forget about Pretorius, the South African all-rounder who’s finished many games in T20 leagues all over the world and even for South Africa. With such a talented bunch of finishers, Quetta Gladiators are sure to make every chase a thrilling one this season.
Impeccable Spin Unit:
If there’s one area where Quetta Gladiators can truly dominate, it’s their magnificent spin-bowling attack. Led by the number one T20 bowler in the world, Wanindu Hasaranga, Quetta has a spin attack that can bamboozle any batting line-up.
In addition to Hasaranga, Quetta also boasts the talents of Qais Ahmad, Muhammad Nawaz, and Ifthikar Ahmad, making their spin attack a force to be reckoned with. Nawaz recently showed what he can do with the ball in the ODI series against New Zealand, while Qais and Ifthikar have been consistently performing well in their respective leagues.
With this talented quartet in their ranks, Quetta’s spin attack can bring down the opposition’s run rate, put pressure on their batsmen, and help them secure some crucial victories this season.
Fast Bowling – Will it pave the way for Quetta Gladiators Resurgence?
Quetta Gladiators’ fast-bowling arsenal is nothing short of impressive, with Naseem Shah leading the charge. Alongside him, Aiman Khan, Umaid Asif, M.Hasnain, and Naveen Ul Haq all boast speeds of 140+ and are capable of causing destruction on the field. Hasnain’s ability to swing the new ball both ways at a high pace makes him a formidable opponent, while Naseem Shah and Naveen Ul Haq are crafty bowlers with tricks up their sleeves to take wickets.
Aiman Khan has shown promising talent in the PJL and has been selected for the PSL as a result. Umaid Asif, who was a standout performer with the ball in the previous edition of the PSL with Karachi Kings, is now part of Quetta Gladiators, and will no doubt be looking to make a significant impact for his new team. With this lethal combination, Quetta’s fast bowling is a force to be reckoned with.
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