Deccan Gladiators vs Qalandars Predictions: Abu Dhabi T10 League 12th Match Preview

In the final game for the initial groups, we have the Deccan Gladiators squaring off with the Qalandars. Although the teams are number one and two in the group right now, the Gladiators’ position is subject to change depending on the outcome of the match between the Pune Devils and Team Abu Dhabi. That being said, if the record thus far is anything to go by, the Qalandars look far stronger. With two wins out of two and a ridiculous net run rate, they are leaps and bounds ahead of the pack, and it will take a monumental defeat for them to be taken off of their podium. The Gladiators meanwhile will want to keep their second place spot, and also bury a seed of doubt in the minds of the Qalandars with a victory. Before the players arrive at the stadium, let’s take a look at the two teams.

Deccan Gladiators

Predicted XI

Kieron Pollard (c), Sunil Narine, Colin Ingram, Zahoor Khan, Ravi Rampaul, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Imran Tahir, Cameron Delport, Imtiaz Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aaron Summers.

Preview and form

After losing their first match to the seemingly powerful Pune Devils, the Gladiators had to win against Team Abu Dhabi in order to keep their upper seed dreams alive - especially after the way the Qalandars had routed the Devils by then. Bowling first, they showed complete dominance, with Zahoor Khan’s 3-for, Imtiaz Ahmed’s double haul, and a couple of other economical and successful performances helping them chain their opponents down to just 95. This was more important than they would have thought, as their chase went anything but smoothly. Despite Cameron Delport’s 40 and Kieron Pollard’s 24, the Gladiators were barely able to come out with a win with 6 wickets in hand and two deliveries to go.

DG Key players

Kieron Pollard: Pollard must move himself up the order and cut loose with his best skills if he wants his team to win.

Cameron Delport: Delport’s 40 was well-paced considering their target, but he needs to score faster in future matches.

Zahoor Khan: The Emirati talent was excellent in the last game, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

Sunil Narine: One can never ignore this cunning Caribbean - whether for his bowling or his batting.

Qalandars

Predicted XI

Sohail Akhtar (c), Samit Patel, Asif Ali, Sultan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Ben Dunk (wk), Chris Jordan, Sharjeel Khan, Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, Sohail Tanvir.

Preview and form

The star-studded lineup of the Qalandars is off to a brilliant start that has taken them to starry heights. With multiple players firing on all cylinders, they look to be strong candidates to top the group, and they’re already well on their way there. In their last match, the Qalandars were bowling first against Team Abu Dhabi. Thanks to Ahmed Daniyal’s excellent economical bowling, Shahid Afridi’s economical two-for, and a couple of other wickets by Sultan Ahmed and Chris Jordan, the team was able to restrict their opponents to an unimpressive 100. On the chase, a 30 from Tom Banton, 40 from Sharjeel Khan, and 27 from Sohail Akhtar were enough for them to cruise to a victory with 9 wickets and 11 deliveries in hand. 

QAL Key players

Tom Banton: Looking in good nick, the young English batting talent will be aiming to impress those watching before the IPL auction takes place in a few weeks.

Sharjeel Khan: With a solid 40 in the last game, the Pakistani veteran showed that pinch hitting is well within his talents.

Ahmed Daniyal: He may not have taken a wicket, but Daniyal was extremely economical in a format where that is almost more important than taking wickets.

Shahid Afridi: The aging leg spinner took two wickets upon arriving at this year’s event, and chances are he will take a lot more by the time the event ends.

Deccan Gladiators vs Qalandars weather conditions and pitch report

Considering how late this match will be, the weather will get cooler still, but not much else will change. The wind will become a little tamer by then, which means just about every single factor will make for great cricketing conditions.

Other than some footmarks left by players in previous matches played just a little while before, which might cause for occasional uneven bounce or turn, the pitch should be pretty balanced for all parties involved.

Can the Gladiators take down the mighty Qalandars? Or will the Qalandars keep dominating as they have been? Find out if our Deccan Gladiators versus Qalandars predictions come true on Sunday!