On Saturday, Peshawar Zalmi will face a crucial showdown in the second eliminator of PSL 2024, vying for a spot in the tournament final against the victor of eliminator 1.
Under the leadership of Babar Azam, Peshawar Zalmi had a commendable run during the league stage, securing the second position. However, they faced a formidable Multan Sultans in qualifier 1, suffering a significant defeat by seven wickets.
The team’s batting struggles were evident in the previous match, with key players like Haseebullah Khan, Rovman Powell, and Saim Ayub failing to make an impact. While Mohammad Haris and Tom Kohler-Cadmore managed to contribute in the twenties, Ayub and Haseebullah disappointed with single-digit scores.
Haseebullah, especially, has been enduring a poor run of form, tallying only ten runs in his last three innings. Throughout PSL 2024, he has struggled, accumulating a mere 78 runs in six innings at a dismal average of 13.
Given the high stakes of the upcoming match, Peshawar Zalmi may opt to drop Haseebullah due to his lack of form, replacing him with the experienced finisher Asif Ali to strengthen their lower middle order.
The remainder of the lineup is expected to remain unchanged, with Ayub partnering with Babar at the top of the order, followed by Haris, TKC, and Powell.
Paul Walter and Aamer Jamal are likely to retain their positions as bowling all-rounders, while Salman Irshad, Luke Wood, and Mehran Mumtaz will feature as specialist bowlers.
Probable XI for Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2:
- Babar Azam (C)
- Saim Ayub
- Mohammad Haris (WK)
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Rovman Powell
- Asif Ali
- Paul Walter
- Aamer Jamal
- Luke Wood
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Salman Irshad
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