PSL3: Quetta Gladiators to face Karachi Kings today

Quetta Gladiators are all set to face Karachi King in the second match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) being played at Dubai International Stadium on Friday night.

The Gladiators, who were the runner-up of past two seasons of PSL, will look to cross the victory mark and give a proper sent off to cricket legend from England, Kevin Pietersen.

As far as their team is concerned, the Gladiators’ arsenal is stronger than ever. Jason Roy and Shane Watson, who have been traded in from Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, respectively, bring immense depth to an already consistent side.

Among the youngsters, Afghanistan’s spin sensation Rashid Khan, Pakistan U-19 captain Hassan Khan and fast-rising speedster Jofra Archer bring additional strength to the team.

Meanwhile, despite the big price tag on their back, Karachi Kings so far failed to make an impact in the league. However, their new captain, Imad Wasim, may take them to new heights.

For this season, the Kings bought the big fish in shape of Shahid Afridi from Peshawar Zalmi. Another boost to the Kings is England captain Eoin Morgan, who was drafted in from Zalmi as well.

However, the team might miss the presence of opener Luke Wright, who ruled himself out over fitness concerns. Veterans Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Mahela Jayawardena were also released by the team to make way for younger blood, after the team had a disappointing run in PSL 1 and managed to finish third in the group stage in PSL 2.

Squads:

Quetta Gladiators

Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Kevin Pietersen, Rilee Rossouw, Mahmudullah Riyad (cover: John Hastings), Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Nawaz, Anwar Ali, Mir Hamza, Umar Amin, Shane Watson, Carlos Brathwaite (cover: Jofra Archer/Ben Laughlin), Rahat Ali, Rameez Raja jr., Saad Ali, Saud Shakeel, Hassan Khan, Jason Roy (cover: Albie Morkel), Rashid Khan (cover: Chris Green), Mohammad Azam Khan and Faraz Ahmed

Karachi Kings

Squad Imad Wasim (captain), Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Ravi Bopara, Usman Khan Shinwari, Usama Mir, Khurram Manzoor, Colin Ingram, Tymal Mills, Joe Denly, David Wiese, Tabish Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Hasan Mohsin, Lendl Simmons, Eoin Morgan and Saifullah Bangash.