Runners up in the last season, Lahore Qalandars will be looking to do one better this year and win their first title but can the ageing squad deliver in PSL 6?

By Saj Sadiq (15th February, 2021)

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)

Discuss!