PSL 6 preview : Lahore Qalandars look for an elusive title win with an ageing squad

[MenInG]

In last season’s Pakistan Super League, it was a case of so near yet so far for Lahore Qalandars. The laughing stock in some of the previous tournaments, the Qalandars finally got their act together and gave their patient fans something to cheer about. But whilst the Qalandars put up a much-improved show, they were beaten by their arch rivals Karachi Kings by 5 wickets in a one-sided final at the National Stadium last November.

Having finished in 3rd place in the group table, Qalandars comfortably beat Multan Sultans in the eliminator by 25 runs after an impressive all-round performance by David Wiese. But it wasn’t to be for Aaqib Javed’s side in the final after a lacklustre effort, which left the Head Coach admitting after the final that the Qalandars had misread the pitch and were well below-par.


Strengths

The bowling unit looks outstanding this time around with the addition of Rashid Khan. The Afghan’s spin-bowling abilities together with the pace-bowling options of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Dilbar Hussain, Haris Rauf and David Wiese give the Qalandars an edge in this department. In addition, Mohammad Hafeez together with Samit Patel provide additional options with the ball and one can see why opposition batsmen may struggle to post big totals against the Qalandars.

When you look at the Qalandars top-order batting line-up, it has an impressive look to it especially with Mohammad Hafeez in their ranks. The professor has been in incredible form of late and the Qalandars will undoubtedly be hoping that this continues. Fakhar Zaman was the second-highest run-scorer in PSL5 and will be a key player if the Qalandars are to challenge once again. Ben Dunk was in good form in PSL5 scoring 300 runs at a strike-rate of 167.59 and provides further experience. In addition the acquisition of Zeeshan Ashraf will give the Qalandars further firepower with the bat in the early overs.


Weaknesses

The concern for Qalandars will be that there seems to be a lack of strength in depth when it comes to their batting especially if a couple of early wickets fall. Sohail Akhtar was a liability with the bat in PSL5 and as skipper he will once again be expected to be picked which is a risk that the Qalandars seem to be willing to take. Whilst the starting XI looks strong, the back-up players and additional options look a little weak and that could hurt Qalandars in a tournament where the matches come thick and fast. An injury or two to one of their key players could hamper their chances and ultimately cost them.


Players to watch out for

Undoubtedly Rashid Khan, although there is a possibility that he may not play the full season due to commitments with the Afghanistan national side. Regardless of that, this will be his first PSL and he is expected to have a huge impact with the ball and it’s worth noting that he is no mug with the bat either. Rashid has been inspirational in every Twenty20 league he has played in and there is no doubt that he could lift the Lahore Qalandars side to a new level.


Verdict

Was PSL5 a fluke? Is Lahore Qalandars an ageing squad? Can 40-year-old Mohamad Hafeez carry the batting unit of Lahore Qalandars? Can 35-year-old David Wiese have another brilliant tournament? Is Sohail Akhtar really the man who should be skippering the Qalandars? Whilst the Qalandars have a lot of strength in their bowling, their batting could be the reason why they miss out on being champions at PSL6.

They look a strong team, rather than a strong squad, and one that is likely to make it to the second stage of the tournament, but fall short in lifting the trophy.


Full Squad

Ahmed Danyal (supplementary); Ben Dunk (gold); David Wiese (diamond); Dilbar Hussain (gold); Fakhar Zaman (diamond, brand ambassador); Haris Rauf (diamond); Maaz Khan (emerging); Mohammad Faizan (silver); Mohammad Hafeez (platinum); Joe Denly (supplementary); Rashid Khan (platinum); Samit Patel (gold); Shaheen Shah Afridi (platinum); Sohail Akhtar (silver, successful relegation request); Tom Abell, Salman Ali Agha (both silver); Zaid Alam (emerging); Zeeshan Ashraf (silver)

[SensiblePakFan]

Multan have a stronger side.

[MenInG]

Pictures from LQ training

[waheed_sofi]

In last season’s Pakistan Super League, it was a case of so near yet so far for Lahore Qalandars. The laughing stock in some of the previous tournaments, the Qalandars finally got their act together and gave their patient fans something to cheer about. But whilst the Qalandars put up a much-improved show, they were beaten by their arch rivals Karachi Kings by 5 wickets in a one-sided final at the National Stadium last November.

Having finished in 3rd place in the group table, Qalandars comfortably beat Multan Sultans in the eliminator by 25 runs after an impressive all-round performance by David Wiese. But it wasn’t to be for Aaqib Javed’s side in the final after a lacklustre effort, which left the Head Coach admitting after the final that the Qalandars had misread the pitch and were well below-par.


Strengths

The bowling unit looks outstanding this time around with the addition of Rashid Khan. The Afghan’s spin-bowling abilities together with the pace-bowling options of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Dilbar Hussain, Haris Rauf and David Wiese give the Qalandars an edge in this department. In addition, Mohammad Hafeez together with Samit Patel provide additional options with the ball and one can see why opposition batsmen may struggle to post big totals against the Qalandars.

When you look at the Qalandars top-order batting line-up, it has an impressive look to it especially with Mohammad Hafeez in their ranks. The professor has been in incredible form of late and the Qalandars will undoubtedly be hoping that this continues. Fakhar Zaman was the second-highest run-scorer in PSL5 and will be a key player if the Qalandars are to challenge once again. Ben Dunk was in good form in PSL5 scoring 300 runs at a strike-rate of 167.59 and provides further experience. In addition the acquisition of Zeeshan Ashraf will give the Qalandars further firepower with the bat in the early overs.


Weaknesses

The concern for Qalandars will be that there seems to be a lack of strength in depth when it comes to their batting especially if a couple of early wickets fall. Sohail Akhtar was a liability with the bat in PSL5 and as skipper he will once again be expected to be picked which is a risk that the Qalandars seem to be willing to take. Whilst the starting XI looks strong, the back-up players and additional options look a little weak and that could hurt Qalandars in a tournament where the matches come thick and fast. An injury or two to one of their key players could hamper their chances and ultimately cost them.


Players to watch out for

Undoubtedly Rashid Khan, although there is a possibility that he may not play the full season due to commitments with the Afghanistan national side. Regardless of that, this will be his first PSL and he is expected to have a huge impact with the ball and it’s worth noting that he is no mug with the bat either. Rashid has been inspirational in every Twenty20 league he has played in and there is no doubt that he could lift the Lahore Qalandars side to a new level.


Verdict

Was PSL5 a fluke? Is Lahore Qalandars an ageing squad? Can 40-year-old Mohamad Hafeez carry the batting unit of Lahore Qalandars? Can 35-year-old David Wiese have another brilliant tournament? Is Sohail Akhtar really the man who should be skippering the Qalandars? Whilst the Qalandars have a lot of strength in their bowling, their batting could be the reason why they miss out on being champions at PSL6.

They look a strong team, rather than a strong squad, and one that is likely to make it to the second stage of the tournament, but fall short in lifting the trophy.


Full Squad

Ahmed Danyal (supplementary); Ben Dunk (gold); David Wiese (diamond); Dilbar Hussain (gold); Fakhar Zaman (diamond, brand ambassador); Haris Rauf (diamond); Maaz Khan (emerging); Mohammad Faizan (silver); Mohammad Hafeez (platinum); Joe Denly (supplementary); Rashid Khan (platinum); Samit Patel (gold); Shaheen Shah Afridi (platinum); Sohail Akhtar (silver, successful relegation request); Tom Abell, Salman Ali Agha (both silver); Zaid Alam (emerging); Zeeshan Ashraf (silver)

Barring Hafeez, there isn't much batting.
Probably, the weakest batting side.
Too many unknown names.

[Dark_Horse]

Both dunk and Patel will fail

[MenInG]

Karachi: Lahore Qalandars captain Sohail Akhtar has said that they will try to manage Pakistan’s leading pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s workload during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six.

While talking to media in a pre-tournament presser, Sohail revealed that the star pacer won’t be overburdened and will be provided rest when needed.

“He is an asset for Pakistan and we will try to manage his workload properly by giving him rest whenever it is needed and possible by the team,” he said.

Sohail emphasized that in the last season, their spin attack was weak and after Rashid Khan’s arrival in the side, the attack is now strengthened.

“Rashid Khan is the top bowler of the world. With his arrival our spin attack has also got some much-needed experience and it has made our bowling attack a top class one,” Akhtar said.

Meanwhile, Sohail is confident of doing well this season too as they were the runners-up in PSL 2020. “We played good cricket last year. We came so near to the title but couldn’t finish well. This year, we will try to overcome our all shortcomings and give our best. the Qalandars are positive and focused about the upcoming tournament.”

ARY

[shamaan]

Fakhar
Zaid alam E
Sohail akhtar
Hafeez
Dunk
Salman agha
Patel
Rashid khan
Shaheen
Rauf
Dilbar

The best bowling up line the tournament wise will proberly play but not sure who they will drop

[Hitman]

We are so happy to learn that our fans would be coming to the ground and support the players. All of us are eagerly looking forward to welcome the fans because playing without them is unthinkable - Sohail Akhtar.

Obviously, the fans should look after themselves at all times and when they turn up at the ground they should follow the SOPs by all means for their own good. But it would be wonderful to see them back in the stands. Their presence, even in limited numbers, will certainly inspire the players - Sohail Akhtar

We gained lot of confidence from our performance last year and particularly the way our bowling unit performed - Sohail Akhtar

There were couple of grey areas as regards our batting and team planning last year. In the build-up to the forthcoming event, we have been working on those fronts to get rid of the weaknesses. Our preparations so far have been great and the best thing is that both our bowlers and batsmen have being doing well and are keen to carry forward their good form - Sohail Akhtar.

[khurram39]

Being the runner up doesn't mean you won next time. To win they need to be consistent.

[MenInG]

Pictures (courtesy of the Lahore Qalandars) of Lahore's practice ahead of PSL 6

[MenInG]

Pictures (courtesy of the Lahore Qalandars) of Lahore's practice game against Multan Sultans

[shamaan]

Isnt Ahmed danyal a fast bowler ?

[Kroll]

Fakhar
Zaid alam E
Sohail akhtar
Hafeez
Dunk
Salman agha
Patel
Rashid khan
Shaheen
Rauf
Dilbar

The best bowling up line the tournament wise will proberly play but not sure who they will drop

On paper, that's a solid bowling lineup. Rashid Khan is xfactor and Dilbar was a revelation last year. Streets will need to show the kind of form which has brought him so much attention since his BBL days.

[shamaan]

On paper, that's a solid bowling lineup. Rashid Khan is xfactor and Dilbar was a revelation last year. Streets will need to show the kind of form which has brought him so much attention since his BBL days.

Rashid will proberly be on international duty so he may only be thier for a week or so.it also be interesting which emerging player they will play.as for dilbar i hope he comes up with some solid performances.

[shamaan]

On paper, that's a solid bowling lineup. Rashid Khan is xfactor and Dilbar was a revelation last year. Streets will need to show the kind of form which has brought him so much attention since his BBL days.

Lots of varity in thier attack best bowling line up in the tournament

[shady]

Their practice kit looks far better than their normal one. Whoever came up with the colour scheme for their regular jersey needs to be questioned.

[zacattakk]

Their practice kit looks far better than their normal one. Whoever came up with the colour scheme for their regular jersey needs to be questioned.

Not questioned, just shot on sight. Their regular kit is the ugliest in the PSL.

[zacattakk]

Lahore has an incredibly weak batting line further crippled by their non-playing captain

[Gharib Aadmi]

Why is Sohail Akhtar captain?

[Firebat]

Qalandars practise:

[shamaan]

Why is Sohail Akhtar captain?

Got them to the semi final last year

[Deewana Mastana]

Qalandars, Sultans, Zalmi all of these have an ageing squad if you look at a little closely.

[Snowflake]

With one of the most uninspiring captain in Sohail Akhtar, LQ is one of the hardest teams to get behind!

Why in the world was this guy appointed captain?

[Saj]

With one of the most uninspiring captain in Sohail Akhtar, LQ is one of the hardest teams to get behind!

Why in the world was this guy appointed captain?

The management like him.
He's a yes-man.
He will listen to the coach.
He's not one for conflict.

[Snowflake]

The management like him.
He's a yes-man.
He will listen to the coach.
He's not one for conflict.

Lol! Fair enough

[MenInG]

Rashid Khan will be part of the Afghanistan Test squad vs Zimbabwe

First Test starts 2nd, second on 10th in Dubai

[MenInG]

Videos, courtesy of Lahore Qalandars

[MenInG]

Pictures courtesy of PCB

[Rellu_Katta]

Dont see much happening for LQ...

Rashid Khan isn't there for the whole season

Batting is weakest of the 6

M Zahid and Danyal again tape ball bowlers given hype

M.Haffez, Zeeshan Ashraf, Salman Agha will need to have a tremendous season with Dunk and Wise to provide similar performances as last year to bring them in top4

[Forum363]

Dont see much happening for LQ...

Rashid Khan isn't there for the whole season

Batting is weakest of the 6

M Zahid and Danyal again tape ball bowlers given hype

M.Haffez, Zeeshan Ashraf, Salman Agha will need to have a tremendous season with Dunk and Wise to provide similar performances as last year to bring them in top4

I think they’ll be fighting competitively with Peshawar Zalmi all season....
..... for who is bottom of the table

[cricketerB94]

Who is the replacement for Rashid Khan when he leaves after 2 games? Why did LQ not take part in the replacement draft?

[MenInG]

Lahore looking confident as they go into the game vs QG

Very strong side with Rashid Khan in it but Shaheen in supreme form as well.

[MenInG]

Starting to look like the team to beat!

[Firebat]

When the main bowling pair, Haris and Shaheen, were below par, the main batting pair, Fakhar and Hafeez, stepped up big time.

Early days, but it seems to be clicking this year

[Saj]

The bowling still has Dilbar to come into the attack.

They look ok at the moment.

However the batting is yet to be fully tested.

Great start for them though.

[Titan24]

Some impact stats:

Fakhar has scored 24 50 in T20s his side has won 20 times out those

Haris Rauf has taken 3 wickets in T20s 13 times and his side has won 12 times out of those

[MenInG]

Number one in the table at the moment - playing like a team who look set to win the PSL but lets see!

[Saj]

Mohammad Hafeez after the loss to Multan Sultans

Overall our execution as a batting unit in the first 5 or 6 overs wasn’t good. Yes there was something in the pitch for the bowlers but as a T20 player you need to have better execution.

We regained the momentum in our batting starting from the 7th over to the 13th over but then we lost momentum once again. We lost the momentum and we fell short by 20 to 25 runs and we should have score between 180 to 190 today.

But there are many things to learn as a batting unit and we have to give credit to the Multan Sultans bowlers in the way that they gathered themselves after our counter-attack and executed their plans better than us.

I have changed some of my work ethics and practiced differently too. I am practising against 140plus kph bowling and my hitting range has improved. I’ve thought about how I can enhance my skills when it comes to power hitting also.

As a team we have maintained the core of our players. The Qalandars believe in the Player Development Program and they like to give new players a chance. The PSL is a stage for everyone and any player should accept and perform when they get a chance. Unfortunately today our junior players couldn’t perform and as a team we didn’t do well. Our fielding needs improving greatly as when you are misfielding when you have a total like we had today then that can cost you in a big way. Our combination is strong and we are playing with a positive mindset and looking forward to the upcoming challenges.

The plan was to rotate the strike and Samit was struggling against the leg-spinner so we decided that I would face the leg-spinner more but he misjudged the single, but that happens in cricket.

50% crowds coming into the stadium is a great initiative. I urge the crowds to follow the precautions and come to the stadium in big numbers. It’s a good sign because it means that we are controlling the virus and following the protocols. I wish all the best to the tournament and I hope that soon the ground is full of fans.

Every team is fully prepared and every team has a number of match-winners who are performing well. We plan according to the opposition and Sunday’s match against Karachi Kings will be a big clash and we’ll look to reduce our mistakes and improve our execution and win the match.

[Last Monetarist]

Sandeep Lamichhane has been drafted in to replace Rashid Khan.

[Coolcapri]

Mohammad Hafeez after the loss to Multan Sultans

Overall our execution as a batting unit in the first 5 or 6 overs wasn’t good. Yes there was something in the pitch for the bowlers but as a T20 player you need to have better execution.

We regained the momentum in our batting starting from the 7th over to the 13th over but then we lost momentum once again. We lost the momentum and we fell short by 20 to 25 runs and we should have score between 180 to 190 today.

But there are many things to learn as a batting unit and we have to give credit to the Multan Sultans bowlers in the way that they gathered themselves after our counter-attack and executed their plans better than us.

I have changed some of my work ethics and practiced differently too. I am practising against 140plus kph bowling and my hitting range has improved. I’ve thought about how I can enhance my skills when it comes to power hitting also.

As a team we have maintained the core of our players. The Qalandars believe in the Player Development Program and they like to give new players a chance. The PSL is a stage for everyone and any player should accept and perform when they get a chance. Unfortunately today our junior players couldn’t perform and as a team we didn’t do well. Our fielding needs improving greatly as when you are misfielding when you have a total like we had today then that can cost you in a big way. Our combination is strong and we are playing with a positive mindset and looking forward to the upcoming challenges.

The plan was to rotate the strike and Samit was struggling against the leg-spinner so we decided that I would face the leg-spinner more but he misjudged the single, but that happens in cricket.

50% crowds coming into the stadium is a great initiative. I urge the crowds to follow the precautions and come to the stadium in big numbers. It’s a good sign because it means that we are controlling the virus and following the protocols. I wish all the best to the tournament and I hope that soon the ground is full of fans.

Every team is fully prepared and every team has a number of match-winners who are performing well. We plan according to the opposition and Sunday’s match against Karachi Kings will be a big clash and we’ll look to reduce our mistakes and improve our execution and win the match.

When you have target in mind then why play like this in power play, also why hafeez was not send 1 down. pathetic captaincy and planning, They should have line up Rashid replacement as soon as they came to know about his departure.
Look at IU against KK, They lost 2 wicket but didn't stop them for going after the bowling.
and here 1 wicket falls and then you send denly (instead of inform Hafeez) and he block the whole over and kill the momentum.