Lahore Qalandars: Preview and probable lineup for PSL 8 qualifier

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are probably just two steps away from becoming the first-ever team to defend its title in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). 

After waiting for six long years, Qalandars won their maiden PSL title last year after defeating Multan Sultans in the final at Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium. 

Under the command of their new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Qalandars looked completely different from what they were before the seventh edition of the league. Shaheen changed the fortunes of Qalandars as their consistency since last year shows the commitment which the new captain brought into their team. 

They remained table toppers in the league stage of this year's PSL, winning seven out of 10 matches. The Qalandars now set their eyes on the qualifier against Sultans which is scheduled to be played on March 15. 

Strengths

When you talk about the strengths of Qalandars, their captain Shaheen comes top of mind. The left-arm pacer has a never-ending ability to take a wicket in his first over. 

Moreover, Qalandars' overall bowling line-up, which contains the likes of Rashid Khan, Zaman Khan, and Haris Rauf, has not only been recognised as the best bowling line-up of PSL but any T20 team in the world. 

Qalandars' three bowlers - Rashid (15), Shaheen (14) and Haris (14) - are currently among the top five highest wicket-takers in the ongoing PSL 8. 

On the other hand, opener Fakhar Zaman is the backbone of their batting line. The latter has scored 378 runs in 10 league matches including a maiden PSL century. Fakhar has the ability to provide a quick start to Qalandars against any bowling attack. 

Weaknesses

Qalandars are unlucky to have their experienced fast-bowling all-rounder David Wiese out of form this season. The Namibian cricketer has so far failed to impress fans with his match-winning abilities. 

However, another fast-bowling all-rounder Hussain Talat is also not in his right touch. Qalandars lack a finisher, who can also bowl wicket-taking overs, down their batting line-up. 

Previous appearance in qualifier

Qalandars played PSL qualifier only once which was last year against the same team, Sultans. 

They lost the qualifier by 28 runs. 

Probable lineup 

Fakhar Zaman, Mirza Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Sam Billings, David Wiese, Hussain Talat, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Rashid Khan, Zaman Khan

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