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Match 28 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 will see a stark contrast in form as the struggling Multan Sultans take on the table-toppers Quetta Gladiators at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 18th May 2025. The Sultans have endured a nightmarish campaign, managing only one win in nine matches and already eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, Quetta have been a dominant force this season, securing six victories out of nine games and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. This clash holds significant importance for Quetta as they aim to secure the top spot heading into the playoffs. With both teams having contrasting motivations—pride for Multan and pride plus position for Quetta—the match promises excitement. The pitch at Rawalpindi has been batting-friendly, favoring high-scoring encounters, setting the stage for a potential fireworks display.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | Match 28 – PSL 2025 |
| Teams | Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators |
| Date | 18th May 2025 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Time | 15:30 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | Sony Sports Network / PSL Official App |
| Toss Timing | Expected around 15:00 PM IST |
Team Preview – Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans have had a disastrous run in PSL 2025, languishing at the bottom of the table with just two points from nine matches. Already eliminated from playoff contention, their motivation now is to end their campaign on a positive note. In their last game against Peshawar Zalmi, the Sultans were bowled out for a paltry 108 runs in 19.1 overs, highlighting their batting frailties.
The middle order has consistently failed to build partnerships, with Mohammad Rizwan being the lone standout performer, scoring 363 runs at an average of 61. Shai Hope and Tayyab Tahir showed some promise in the previous match but couldn’t convert starts into impactful scores.
Their bowling unit, led by Ubaid Shah (11 wickets), has lacked consistency. Shahid Aziz picked up 2 wickets in the last game, but the rest of the attack struggled to make an impact. Yasir Khan and Usama Mir provide the spin options, while Faisal Akram and Mohammad Hasnain offer pace support.
With nothing to lose, the Sultans may experiment with combinations or give fringe players a chance. However, given their recent performances, it’s hard to expect a turnaround unless the batters fire collectively.
Team Preview – Quetta Gladiators
Quetta Gladiators have been the most consistent team in PSL 2025, sitting atop the points table with 13 points from nine matches. Their recent form has been impeccable, winning five consecutive games and showing dominance across all departments.
In their last match against Islamabad United, Quetta posted a massive 263/3 thanks to blistering centuries from Rilee Rossouw (104 off 46) and Hasan Nawaz (100* off 45). The duo’s aggressive stroke play set the tone for the innings, and their ability to score quickly makes them dangerous openers.
Hasan Nawaz leads the team’s run charts with 250 runs, while Rossouw follows closely with 234 runs. Saud Shakeel provides stability in the middle order with his classical technique.
Their bowling department is equally potent. Abrar Ahmed leads the wicket-taking chart with 14 scalps, supported by Faheem Ashraf (13 wickets), Mohammad Amir (10 wickets), and Khurram Shahzad (11 wickets). The presence of experienced campaigners like Amir and Ashraf gives Quetta depth and variety.
With a strong batting lineup and a well-balanced bowling attack, Quetta are well-positioned to maintain their winning momentum and finish the league stage as table-toppers.
Favourite Team to Win Today & Why
| Favourite Team | Why |
|---|---|
| Quetta Gladiators | Coming off 5 consecutive wins, strong batting line-up, dominant bowling attack, and better head-to-head record. They are motivated to finish as league toppers. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan | WK-Batsman | Multan Sultans | Top run-getter for MS, reliable even in poor team form |
| Finn Allen | Batsman | Quetta Gladiators | Explosive opener, good record in high-scoring games |
| Rilee Rossouw | Batsman | Quetta Gladiators | Scoring machine; century in last game |
| Hasan Nawaz | Batsman | Quetta Gladiators | Aggressive batter, key to QTG’s big totals |
| Saud Shakeel | Batsman | Quetta Gladiators | Anchor of the innings, crucial in building partnerships |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder | Quetta Gladiators | Valuable 30+ runs and 1–2 wickets per game; economical bowler |
| Mohammad Amir | Bowler | Quetta Gladiators | Star pacer; takes early wickets and finishes tight spells |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | Quetta Gladiators | Wicket-taking leg-spinner; effective in middle and death overs |
| Khurram Shahzad | Bowler | Quetta Gladiators | Consistent death bowler; economical and picks up key wickets |
| Shahid Aziz | Bowler | Multan Sultans | Recent form (2 wickets in last game); can contribute with bat too |
| Ubaid Shah | Bowler | Multan Sultans | Leading wicket-taker for MS; capable of breaking opposition batting orders |
Fantasy Explanation:
This team balances high scorers and impactful bowlers. Rizwan, Rossouw, and Nawaz are must-picks due to their explosive form. Amir and Abrar offer dual threat, while Faheem adds all-round value. Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah are budget-friendly picks with recent contributions.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Suggested Captain | Suggested Vice-Captain |
|---|---|
| Rilee Rossouw (QTG) | Hasan Nawaz (QTG) |
Why?
Both are in red-hot form, scored centuries recently, and likely to deliver big fantasy points.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Yasir Khan (MS) | Poor batting form; didn’t bowl in last match |
| David Willey (MS) | Out of form; not contributing meaningfully in either department |
Team Squads
Multan Sultans Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Shai Hope, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Shahid Aziz, David Willey, Faheem Ashraf, Usama Mir, Yasir Khan, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Faisal Akram, Akif Javed
Quetta Gladiators Squad
Saud Shakeel (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Gulbadin Naib, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad
Probable Playing XI
| Multan Sultans XI | Quetta Gladiators XI |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk) | Saud Shakeel (c) |
| Shai Hope | Finn Allen |
| Tayyab Tahir | Dinesh Chandimal (wk) |
| Kamran Ghulam | Rilee Rossouw |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | Hasan Nawaz |
| Shahid Aziz | Gulbadin Naib |
| Ubaid Shah | Faheem Ashraf |
| Usama Mir | Mohammad Amir |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Mohammad Wasim Jr |
| Faisal Akram | Abrar Ahmed |
| Yasir Khan | Khurram Shahzad |
Pitch Report
- Pitch Type: Balanced but highly batting-friendly
- Average First Innings Score: ~219
- Second Innings Average: ~160
- Batting Conditions: High scoring, flat pitch
- Pace Bowling: Good bounce and carry
- Spin Bowling: Average turn, can be effective in middle overs
- Toss Impact: Teams batting first have won 7 out of 8 matches here
Toss Prediction
- Likely Outcome: Sunny conditions, toss expected around 15:00 PM IST
- Decision: Batting first is the preferred option due to chasing difficulties later in the day
Winner Prediction
- Favourites: Quetta Gladiators
- Reason: Superior form, balanced squad, stronger bowling attack, and better head-to-head record
- Prediction: Quetta Gladiators to win and finish as PSL 2025 league toppers
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