Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United Preview & Betting Tips - Islamabad backed for PSL victory

By Nikhil Kalro

22 Feb 2024

Nikhil Kalro 22 Feb 2024

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PSL game tonight features Islamabad United taking on in-form Quetta Gladiators.
Islamabad aims to bounce back from a previous loss to Multan Sultans.
Despite Quetta's strong bowling and current form, Islamabad's deeper bowling lineup and top-order batsmen may give them an edge.

Islamabad United (Getty Images)

The PSL continues to move on quickly with another game on Thursday night as Islamabad United face the resurgent Quetta Gladiators in Lahore.

Quetta have started this season in sprightly form with two wins in two games while Islamabad have split their two games.

Islamabad were beaten in a thrilling encounter by Multan Sultans in their previous game. Batting first, Islamabad managed to score 144 on a slightly slower surface, led by Agha Salman’s 52 off 43 balls.

Jordan Cox added some impetus with a 28-ball 41 but none of the others batsmen could get going on a sluggish pitch in Multan.

Islamabad fought till the penultimate delivery of the chase but their score was eventually a bit too low despite Naseem Shah’s fighting figures of 2 for 27.

There were several promising signs in that effort but Islamabad will have to find their fluent best at the top of the order to be successful in the PSL.

Quetta continued their fine opening run by chasing 188 against Lahore Qalandars in their previous game. They first kept Lahore to 187 for 7, led by Akeal Hosein’s stellar figures of 2 for 17.

In the chase, they had several batsmen contribute with cameos to ace the chase with five balls to spare.

Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United Tips & Predictions

Islamabad will look to get back to winning ways quickly after a game that got away from them quickly against Multan. Their batting was just not good enough on the day, which meant their strong bowling line-up couldn’t muster much in the defence.

Quetta have a lot going for them, including form and confidence. However, matchups will be a crucial factor in this game. On paper, it seems like Islamabad are just a tad stronger, considering the strength of their top order along with their bowling prowess.

Quetta have several bits and pieces players, such as Sherfane Rutherford and Akeal Hosein but their bowling is undeniably their stronger suit.

That should be able to keep Islamabad quiet at various stages of this game but Islamabad’s bowling has too much depth and variety to falter twice in two games.

We are backing Islamabad to come back stronger and beat Quetta in this game to open up the PSL table again.