Sir Alastair Cook’s PSL 10 Final Prediction

Prior to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final showdown between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators, former England cricket icon Sir Alastair Cook shared his anticipated winner.

During the pre-match expert analysis, presenter Erin Holland engaged Cook, questioning him on which team he envisioned claiming the PSL 10 title.

The former England captain confidently voiced his support for Quetta Gladiators to emerge victorious in the final.

Cook’s Rationale

“This match holds significance for me, as I’m trailing 4-3 in my predictions. Therefore, I’m backing Quetta. I believe winning the coin toss will be vital for them. I’m anticipating a competitive score, followed by effective spin bowling,” Cook stated.

Conversely, former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis expressed his perspective, noting, “The absence of Wasim Jr. will undoubtedly impact them significantly. Furthermore, the enthusiastic home crowd rallying behind Lahore will create a substantial advantage. Consequently, I foresee Lahore winning.”

Match Context

The Shaheen Afridi-led Qalandars secured their place in the final after a commanding display in Eliminator 2, decisively defeating the defending champions, Islamabad United.

Batting first, Lahore amassed a substantial total of 202-8, propelled by notable innings from Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera. In response, Islamabad United were dismissed for a mere 107 in 15.1 overs, succumbing to a significant 95-run defeat.

In the PSL 10 final held at Gaddafi Stadium, Hasan Nawaz’s explosive innings enabled Quetta Gladiators to post a competitive 201-9 in their allotted 20 overs against Lahore Qalandars.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Quetta encountered an early setback as captain Saud Shakeel was dismissed by Lahore’s skipper, Shaheen Afridi, for just 4 runs off 6 deliveries, leaving the Gladiators at 17-1 in 2.4 overs.

Quetta’s Heinrich Klaasen displayed aggressive intent but was soon dismissed by Sikandar Raza for a rapid 22 off 11 balls, leaving Quetta at 58-3 in 6.2 overs.

Hasan Nawaz, showcasing excellent form, achieved his third half-century of the season. He forged a crucial 67-run partnership with Avishka Fernando, helping Quetta stabilize their innings.

Fernando was dismissed for 29 off 22 balls by Rishad Hossain, who secured his first wicket, with the score at 125-4 in 12.5 overs.

Shaheen Afridi’s return applied pressure on the Gladiators’ innings, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for a brisk 22 off 13 balls. Shortly after, he struck again, removing the well-established Hasan Nawaz for a brilliant 76 off 43 deliveries, reducing Quetta to 172-6 in 17.5 overs.

However, Faheem Ashraf played a pivotal cameo in the final over, smashing 28 runs off a mere eight balls, including multiple boundaries, propelling Quetta past the 200-run mark. He was dismissed on the final delivery of the innings.

The Qalandars’ bowling attack — Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain — each claimed three wickets, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup and securing a favorable position leading into the chase.

Squads

Lahore Qalandars Squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Muhammad Akhlaq, Momin Qamar (E), Mohammad Azab (E), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Naeem (E).

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (C), Avishka Fernando, Faheem Ashraf, Finn Allen, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Dinesh Chandimal, Khurram Shahzad, Hasebullah Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Hassan Nawaz (E), Muhammad Zeeshan (E), Ali Majid, Shoaib Malik, Danish Aziz.