PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE 2019 PREVIEW: Can the Quetta Gladiators bounce back?

Ahead of the 2019 PSL, The Cricketer previews the Quetta Gladiators and if they can get back to making the final...

The runners-up in the first two editions of the PSL, the Quetta Gladiators will look to combine their mix of international experience and home talent for maximum output this time around.

A trade with the Lahore Qalandars saw them gain the services of Umar Akmal and Sunil Narine.

However, they have not neglected the local talent either by acquiring Fawad Ahmed. 

Who are the star players?

Quetta have acquired the T20 golden man in Dwayne Bravo.

He has the most wickets in the format and has delivered in these sorts of leagues all over the world, most notably with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

Sunil Narine holds a similar international pedigree, and while he may not be as threatening as he once was, his 135 wickets at an average of 6.52 is incredibly impressive.

Both men are also adept with the bat, with strike rates of 130.7 and 153.6, and with Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal and Shane Watson in their ranks, they could prove to be a force.

^{Dwayne Bravo}

Who is in charge?

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan coaches the Quetta Gladiators. 

Fellow keeper and current Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed will captain the side.  

What are their strengths?

It could be seen as a disadvantage, but with three experienced allrounders, Quetta will not lose too many middle-over battles.

Shane Watson is 15 shy of 100 T20 wickets and with nearly 3000 runs, the former Islamabad United man will hope to claim the trophy this time around.

^{Shane Watson}

What are their weaknesses?

The opening partnership looks to be of some concern, with Shane Watson’s partner not yet guaranteed.

Ahmed Shehzad is an option, but his average of 19.22 last year for Multan Sultans suggests otherwise, while Umar Akmal’s 32.70 average is largely due to batting lower down the order.

What’s their history in the competition?  

2016 – Runners-up

2017 – Runners-up

2018 – Fourth

Prediction – Third

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE 2019 SQAUDS