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The inaugural match of the Global Super League (GSL) 2024 will take place on November 26 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. The contest features the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team from CPL and the Lahore Qalandars (LHQ) team from PSL, marking an exciting start to the tournament. As the league’s first game, this match holds great significance, setting the tone for the competition ahead.

GAW vs LHQ Match Preview

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW)

The Guyana Amazon Warriors entered the Global Super League (GSL) 2024 as one of the strongest teams, coming off a stellar CPL 2024 season where they finished as runners-up (Saint Lucia Kings won the CPL 2024).

Led by veteran spinner Imran Tahir, who also guided them to their maiden CPL title last year, the team has a well-rounded squad. Their batting lineup features star performers like Shimron Hetmyer, who was the team’s leading run-scorer with 402 runs at a strike rate of 185 in the CPL, and Shai Hope, who added 391 runs to the tally.

The all-rounder duo of Romario Shepherd and Moeen Ali adds depth to both batting and bowling, making them formidable.

On the bowling front, Tahir, alongside Moeen Ali, forms a potent spin attack that thrives on the slow surfaces of Guyana, having claimed 31 wickets collectively in CPL 2024.

Supporting them are young talents like USA-based spinner Hassan Khan and Bangladeshi pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who will likely handle the new ball.

With a predicted playing XI that combines experience and emerging talent, the Amazon Warriors are poised to start their campaign with confidence on their home turf.

Lahore Qalandars (LHQ)

Lahore Qalandars had a forgettable PSL 2024 season, finishing last with just one win from 10 games. However, the GSL presents a fresh opportunity for the Qalandars to make a strong comeback.

The team features key domestic players like all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, explosive opener Mirza Tahir Baig, and wicketkeeper Muhammad Akhlaq, who are expected to provide stability at the top.

Their international contingent includes the experienced Adam Rossington, Tabraiz Shamsi, Carlos Brathwaite, and Tom Abell, bringing depth and versatility to the squad.

The Qalandars’ bowling unit is bolstered by Canadian pacer Kaleem Sana and Shamsi, a left-arm wrist-spinner who thrives on spin-friendly tracks.

Brathwaite’s all-round abilities make him a vital player for adapting to the conditions in Guyana. While the team has several promising players, their new-look lineup may take time to find its rhythm.

Nevertheless, the Qalandars, with a mix of domestic and international talent, aim to surprise their opponents in this high-stakes tournament opener.

GAW vs LHQ Predicted Playing XI

GAW Probable Playing XI: Moeen Ali, Shai Hope (wk), Dwaine Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Mark Deyal, Keemo Paul, Imran Tahir (c), Roston Chase, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hassan Khan.

LHQ Probable Playing XI: Adam Rossington, Asif Afridi, Carlos Brathwaite, Faheem Ashraf, Kaleem Sana, Mirza Tahir Baig, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Muhammad Faizan, Muhammad Salman Mirza, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tom Abell.

Providence Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the Providence Stadium in Guyana is known to be batting-friendly, with runs coming easily early on. However, it tends to slow down as the game progresses, making life tougher for batters in the middle overs. Spinners are expected to play a key role on this surface, as they often find ample assistance. The average first-innings score at the venue is 150, with the highest score in CPL 2024 being an impressive 219/8 by the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

GAW vs LHQ Weather Forecast

The weather forecast, however, could be a concern, with partly cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms predicted during the game. While rain interruptions are likely, teams will need to adjust their strategies to capitalize on any uninterrupted periods of play.

GAW vs LHQ Betting Tips

Teams winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, given the potential for rain and the pitch’s tendency to slow down. The Guyana Amazon Warriors, if batting first, are likely to target a competitive score of around 170-180 runs, leveraging their home conditions and batting strength. In contrast, Lahore Qalandars may struggle to exceed 150-155 if they bat first, as they adjust to the conditions.

GAW vs LHQ Match Winner Prediction

The Guyana Amazon Warriors come into this match as strong favourites. Their recent form, home advantage, and well-balanced lineup give them a significant edge over the Lahore Qalandars, who are still finding their feet with a revamped squad. Expect the Warriors to dominate this Global Super League 2024 opening contest.

Bet on Guyana Amazon Warriors to win the first match of Global Super League 2024.

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