Peshawar Zalmi’s captain Babar Azam was ruled out of the clash against Islamabad United during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight on Sunday.
Azam, who is suffering from fever, was also out of the field in the second innings during his side’s previous match against Multan Sultans on Friday.
Babar is currently the second highest run-scorer in the PSL 8 with 416 runs in nine innings.
The final league stage matches of PSL 8 will be played across two venues today (Sunday).
In the first match of the day, Islamabad United will face Peshawar Zalmi at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Meanwhile, in the evening match, Lahore Qalandars will lock horns with Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium.
It must be noted that Qalandars, Multan Sultans, United and Zalmi have already qualified for the playoffs, however the knockout fixtures will be confirmed after today’s matches.
Playoffs permutations
If United beat Zalmi:
Qualifier: Qalandars vs United
Eliminator 1: Sultans vs Zalmi
If Zalmi beat United:
Qualifier: Qalandars vs Sultans
Eliminator 1: United vs Zalmi
The result of the Lahore-Karachi clash will have not impact on the playoffs.
Earlier, Sultans knocked Quetta Gladiators out of the race for the playoffs with a nine-run victory on Saturday in Rawalpindi.
Chasing a huge target of 263 runs, Quetta were restricted to 253-8 in 20 overs.
A victory for Sultans also ensured that Zalmi booked their spot in the knockout stage.
Similar to last year, Quetta and Karachi Kings have once again failed to qualify for the playoffs.
The closing ceremony and final will be held on March 19 in Lahore, which will also host play-offs.
The winner will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also collect a cheque of Rs120m, while the runners-up will receive a cheque of Rs48m.
Lahore Qalandars will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles; meanwhile Islamabad United will aim to become the most successful side by lifting the trophy thrice.
Remaining PSL 8 matches
12 Mar - Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium
15 Mar - Qualifier (1 v 2), Gaddafi Stadium
16 Mar - Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), Gaddafi Stadium
17 Mar - Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1), Gaddafi Stadium
19 Mar - Final, Gaddafi Stadium
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.