Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators

Defending Champions Karachi Kings will be looking to start their campaign on a winning note when they take on Quetta Gladiators in the opening game of 2021 Pakistan Super League at National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.

For this season, Karachi Kings have signed overseas players like Colin Ingram, Chadwick Walton, Dan Christian and Mohammad Nabi to bolster their overall squad. All-rounder Imad Wasim will lead Karachi Kings for this opening fixture.

On the other hand, Quetta Gladiators will be looking to turn their fortunes around after failing to qualify for playoffs last season. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will be looking to select the best playing combination for this opening encounter.

Both teams have competed in 10 matches in the history of Pakistan Super League where Quetta Gladiators have an upper hand with 7 wins compared to Karachi Kings’ three victories.

Last season, Quetta Gladiators managed to win both of their round-robin matches against Karachi Kings played at National Stadium in Karachi.

 Karachi Kings

For Kings, the overseas players have arrived in Karachi and will be available for selection for the opening game of the competition.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the opening pair of Babar Azam and Sharjeel Khan to provide brisk starts for Kings in the initial Powerplay overs.

Last year, Babar Azam topped the batting charts in the competition with 473 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 124.14. The team management will be hoping that Babar Azam can deliver the goods with the bat in this opening game.

Colin Ingram, Mohammad Nabi and Chadwick Walton will make-up a strong middle-order for Kings.

In the bowling department, the onus will be on the pace trio of Mohammad Amir, Waqas Maqsood and Arshad Iqbal to make early inroads with the new-ball. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nabi will be two spin options for this game.

Quetta Gladiators

2019 PSL Champions will be looking to make amends for their last season’s disappointing campaign. The franchise has signed top-quality players like Chris Gayle, Dale Steyn, Tom Banton and Cameron Delport for this year’s tournament.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Cameron Delport, Chris Gayle and Tom Banton to make notable scores in this game.

Rookie batsman Azam Khan, Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz will make up the middle-order for Gladiators for this opening game.

In the bowling department, the pace duo of Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah will need to make crucial breakthroughs with the new-ball. Mohammad Nawaz and Zahid Mehmood will be two spinners for this game.

Odds by Casumo

According to the Casumo sportsbook, Karachi Kings will be favorites to win their game against Quetta Gladiators. For the PSL opening game, Karachi Kings are placed at 1.62 odds, while Quetta Gladiators at 2.25 odds.

Check out our PSL Odds Here

 

Our Tipsters Angle

Karachi Kings will be favorites going into this match as they are playing in their home conditions. Imad Wasim will be hoping that the side can put in a clinical performance against Quetta Gladiators.

With fair weather expected for Saturday’s game, the wicket prepared will be excellent for batting. Therefore, the prediction is for Karachi Kings to win the opening game of PSL.

Tip 1: Babar Azam to shine in this PSL opener

Premier batsman certainly was instrumental in helping Karachi Kings clinch their maiden crown last season. He smashed consecutive half-centuries in the playoff games to see Kings break their trophy drought in the competition.

With 1516 runs at an average of 37.90, there is no doubt that Babar Azam is the most accomplished player in the history of Pakistan Super League. So we are backing Babar Azam to score 40 or more [email protected].

Conclusion

Expect Karachi Kings to overcome Quetta Gladiators in this PSL opener

1. Babar Azam to score 40 or more runs-Karachi [email protected].

Check out our PSL Odds Here