PSL II: Kings, Zalmi eye battle with Gladiators in Lahore

Karachi Kings would take on Peshawar Zalmi in the third playoff at Dubai on Friday, in the decider of the second finalist for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017.

This will be Peshawar Zalmi's second chance to qualify for the final, scheduled to be played in Lahore on Sunday, after suffering a loss against Quetta Gladiators in the first playoff. Zalmi, despite putting up an impressive show, lost the game by just one run on the last ball in a nail biting classic.

Shahid Afridi's team including skipper Darren Sammy, however, are adamant not to repeat the mistakes against the Kings this time. Whereas, the Kings, thanks to their three back to back wins, would have an upper hand this time around.

Under the leadership of Sangakkara, who has been quite influential courtesy his keep calm approach, the Karachi Kings have emerged as a match winning unit. Boosting world renowned hitters Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and a sound batting line up, including Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik, the Kings would be a hard opposition to subdue.

Karachi bowling cavalry too has been impressive, with fast bowler Muhammad Amir as the spearhead, along with Sohail Khan and spinner Usama Mir, who has been yet another revelation of the PSL, the Kings have emerged as a formidable side.

Whereas, the Zalmis, which have announced that all their foreign players would come to Lahore if they win the match tonight, have been a treat to watch in the ongoing league.

Muhmmad Hafeez, who finally got his act together, and was phenomenal in the last match, is great news for Zalmis. Along with a robust hitting power provided by Shahid Afridi and skipper Darren Sammy, one could expect a run fest at Dubai.

Squad

Karachi Kings: KC Sangakkara (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, RS Bopara, CH Gayle, Hasan Mohsin, Imad Wasim, DPMD Jayawardene, Kashif Bhatti, Khurram Manzoor, R McLaren, Mohammad Amir, KA Pollard, Rahat Ali, Saifullah Bangash, Shahzaib Hasan, Shoaib Malik, Sohail Khan, Usama Mir, Usman Khan

Peshawar Zalmi: DJG Sammy (capt), TM Dilshan, ADS Fletcher, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imran Khan (1), CJ Jordan, Junaid Khan, Kamran Akmal, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Hafeez, EJG Morgan, SR Patel, MN Samuels, Shahid Afridi, Shakib Al Hasan, Sohaib Maqsood, Tamim Iqbal, Wahab Riaz. Samaa