Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators Preview & Betting Tips - Islamabad to cause an upset in PSL

By Nikhil Kalro

01 Mar 2024

Nikhil Kalro 01 Mar 2024

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Quetta Gladiators now at No. 2 in the six-team table
Sherfane Rutherford & Abrar Ahmed standout in recent games
Despite struggles, Islamabad United shows resurgence potential
Exciting match expected between Gladiators and United

Islamabad United's Colin Munro (Getty Images)

Quetta Gladiators have vaulted themselves to No. 2 in the six-team table, increasingly looking threatening enough to challenge for the title in a season where their overseas squad depth has risen to the fore.

Take for example Thursday night’s game, when they were down in the dumps until big-hitting Sherfane Rutherford smashed an unbeaten 31-ball 58 with six towering sixes to haul Gladiators over the line.

From needing 15 off six, Rutherford smashed back-to-back sixes to smoothen the passage of victory.

Gladiators would also be greatly encouraged by clutch performances from their local players, like legspinner Abrar Ahmed who weaved magic with a three-wicket haul to halt Karachi King’s momentum in the death overs.

They’ve also unearthed a new baby-faced 22-year old in Khawaja Nafay whose unbeaten 31-ball 60, including a towering six off Shaheen Afridi, helped tear down a steep target against Lahore Qalandars last week.

Islamabad United have been sluggish, struggling to muscle any momentum during the first half, losing three out of the five games that puts them in the middle muddle.

A playoff spot isn’t a given, but Colin Munro’s bruising knock the other night - 82 off 47 - has spelt out some hope of resurgence in the second half.

Munro now has scores of 71 and 82 in his last two innings, the timing of his form surge sitting well with United as they aim for a turnaround.

Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators Tips & Predictions

Islamabad United can be serious giant-killers whose dimming playoff prospects can free them up to play a refreshing brand of cricket we have rarely seen in the first half.

Munro and Alex Hales at the top of the order have added an aura that was missing earlier, and it could just set the tone for a young batting line up to fire on all cylinders.

The table may say they’re lower than Gladiators, but don’t put it beyond United to win.

Verdict

Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators

Islamabad United can be serious giant-killers whose dimming playoff prospects can free them up to play a refreshing brand of cricket we have rarely seen in the first half.