Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars Preview & Tips - Zalmi tipped for another statement PSL win

The Lahore Qalandars are lagging behind the top sides after winning just two of their opening four matches. 

Zalmi have won four of their last 10 against their opponents, with Qalandars winning the other six matches. 

Peshawar Zalmi are yet to taste defeat in the new season, with their three completed matches ending in victory. Meanwhile, their clash with Islamabad United was cancelled without a ball being bowled. 

While Zalmi have impressed across the season, they saved their best for their fourth outing as they humiliated Karachi Kings in a stunning 159-run win. Batting first, Zalmi hammered their way to 246/3 as Kusal Mendis (109 from 52) and Babar Azam (87 not out from 51) starred with the bat. 

With the ball, the Kings were skittled for just 87 runs as Nahid Rana (3/7), Iftikhar Ahmed (3/9) and Sufiyan Muqeem (3/18) did the damage. This triumph has enhanced Zalmi's net run rate to +2.877, with the side looking in ominous form right now. 

Lahore Qalandars Form

 

Lahore Qalandars began the new season with a crushing 69-run win over Hyderabad Kingsmen before they slipped to a disappointing four-wicket loss to Karachi Kings. While they did bounce back with a 20-run win over Multan Sultans, they were then consigned to a heavy nine-wicket loss at the hands of Islamabad United. 

In their last outing, their batting and bowling units were incredibly disappointing. With the bat, Sikandar Raza's 25 from 19 proved their top score as they limped to 100 all out. They then took a single wicket as Islamabad United cruised to a nine-wicket win with 58 deliveries to spare. Qalandars made batting and bowling on that track look very tough, while United took the challenge on supremely well. 

While Qalandars have won six of their last 10 against Zalmi, the latter have won two of their last three against their opponents. With this in mind, I predict that Qalandars will have to stomach a hugely disappointing defeat as Zalmi continue to impress.