LAHORE – Peshawar Zalmi are facing Quetta Gladiators in the first elimination match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
On Tuesday, dark clouds and intermittent rain threatened the action just as the Punjab capital prepared to host the big clash.
However, despite some light showers, fans were undeterred in their determination to watch the match at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The match marks the return of PSL action to Lahore after the historic city successfully hosted last year’s final in front of a roaring crowd of thousands.
The losing team will get eliminated from the competition, while the winning team will play Karachi Kings in Lahore tomorrow (March 21).
Both Peshawar and Quetta have won 5 and lost 5 matches in this season’s league stage, but Peshawar edged out Quetta on Net Run Rate to get the third spot on the points table.
The winner of that match will face Islamabad United in the final in Karachi on March 25.
Lahore’s administration has put welcome banners on the roads from Allama Iqbal International Airport to the hotel, and from there to the stadium, while the security plans during the match have been finalised.
The provincial government has imposed Section 144 from Gaddafi Stadium to Mall Road.
Police contingent consisting of 18,000 personnel will stand guard during the matches. Meantime, law-enforcement agencies also conducted drills at Punjab Stadium to cope with any emergency situation.
As many as four parking areas have been designated for the fans coming to watch the matches, who were taken to the stadium via shuttle service.
A 20-bed makeshift hospital has been set up at the National Hockey Stadium.
