Pakistan Super League will enter its third week on March 1, Monday, with most teams still struggling to find their feet. But if there is one thing PSL’s history has taught us it is that the only constant thing in this tournament is its uncertainty.
However, we bring you numbers that will help you get as close to the uncertainty as possible.
Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators
Two-time PSL winners Islamabad United have always had the upper hand against Quetta Gladiators in the 11 times they have faced each other in the tournament.
| Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators Head-to-Head | ||
| Islamabad United | Metrics | Quetta Gladiators |
| 11 | Matches | 11 |
| 7 | Wins | 4 |
| 0 | Ties/NR | - |
| 63.63% | Win Percentage | 36.37% |
This season, too, Islamabad have started as the better side having hit 12.8 boundaries and 5.3 sixes on average in their last five PSL matches. The Gladiators, on the other hand, average 15.2 fours and 4.8 sixes.
Islamabad have also been averaging 166 runs while batting first as compared to Gladiator's average of 156. To make things worse for Quetta, Islamabad have won two of their last five tosses while Quetta have lost all five of their theirs.
Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United
Interestingly, Islamabad United's superiority plummets against Lahore Qalandars, a team that is yet to win the PSL even once. While both Islamabad and Lahore average 166 runs when batting first, Lahore have been the stronger side while accumulating runs from boundaries. And past records have also put the Qalandars as the favourites.
| Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United Head-to-Head | ||
| Lahore Qalandars | Metrics | Islamabad United |
| 10 | Matches | 10 |
| 8 | Wins | 2 |
| 0 | Ties/NR | 0 |
| 80% | Win Percentage | 20% |
Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars
The biggest match of the week, however, will be between league leaders Peshawar Zalmi and second-placed Lahore Qalandars. Both the teams have started the tournament on a positive note, winning three of their four opening games.
However, 2017 PSL Champions Peshawar Zalmi have emerged as the stronger side on most occasions, when pitted against Lahore Qalandars.
| Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars Head-toHead | ||
| Peshawar Zalmi | Metrics | Lahore Qalandars |
| 12 | Matches | 12 |
| 8 | Wins | 4 |
| 0 | Ties/NR | 0 |
| 66.66% | Win Percentage | 33.34% |
Interestingly, Qalandars have been in better form of late. Not only do they average more runs in boundaries, 14.4 fours and 6.4 sixes, as compared to Zalmi, 12.2 fours and 7.8 sixes, but also average 166 runs while batting first which is more than Zalmi's average of 154 runs.
Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi have been the superior side against Karachi Kings as well, in terms of wins, although the latter dominate in averaging more runs.
| Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi Head-to-Head | ||
| Karachi Kings | Metrics | Peshawar Zalmi |
| 12 | Matches | 12 |
| 4 | Wins | 8 |
| 0 | Ties/NR | 0 |
| 33.33 | Win Percentage | 66.67 |
Karachi Kings have hit 16.6 fours and 6.2 sixes on an average in their last 5 PSL matches, as compared to Peshawar Zalmi's 12.2 fours and 7.8 sixes. Kings also have a better first innings batting average of 175 runs in their last 5 PSL matches, while Zalmi average 154 runs.
Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans
Quetta Gladiators' clash with Multan Sultans is expected to be a close one, given the narrow margin with which the Gladiators lead Sultans in the head-to-head.
| Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans Head-to-Head | ||
| Quetta Gladiators | Metrics | Multan Sultans |
| 5 | Matches | 5 |
| 3 | Wins | 2 |
| 0 | Ties/NR | 0 |
| 60% | Win Percentage | 40% |
Interestingly, the Gladiators trail the Sultans in terms of the runs scored. Quetta have hit 15.2 fours and 4.8 sixes on an average in their last 5 PSL matches, compared to Sultans who have hit 15.6 fours and 5.2 sixes. Gladiators' average first-innings batting score (156) is also lesser than Sultans' (173).
Feature Image Courtesy: Twitter/PSL
