Moin backs stuttering Gladiators to launch comeback.

Byline: Khalid H. Khan

RAWALPINDI -- Head coach Moin Khan still reckons it would be rather too early to press the panic button a day after reigning HBL Pakistan Super League champions Quetta Gladiators' fall from grace continued when they capitulated to a third straight debacle here on Thursday night.

The latest loss was fourth in seven matches and pushed Quetta to fifth spot, just above last-placed Lahore Qalandars. The holders have only three games left - two in Lahore against Lahore Qalandars on Saturday night and Multan Sultans next Wednesday before they take on Karachi Kings in the last preliminary-round tie in Karachi on March 15 - and are perilously on the verge of missing out on the playoffs for the first time in the PSL.

Moin, a former Pakistan captain who also served as the chief selector as well as the national side's head coach, told Dawn on Friday that his franchise need to win two of the remaining three matches to make the playoffs.

'Of course I don't deny we are in the danger zone as far as qualification [for the playoffs] is concerned. But the Gladiators are known for their never-say-die attitude because we've been in similar predicament in the past editions too, since the PSL was launched,' Moin said in a defiant tone. 'No doubt the situation does indeed look quite difficult if we assess our performance in the tournament. There are issues that need to be sorted out quickly.

'But what can one say if the team is playing only 35 per cent to its potential? It clearly means we are capable of performing much better than we had played so far. As the head coach I have full faith in the squad at my disposal, and I expect the boys to comeback and response to the challenge ahead strongly.'

The Gladiators are among the most successful teams in the PSL history alongside two-time winners Islamabad United and 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi. All three sides have played 50 or more matches in the competition with Peshawar leading the way with 53 games, while Quetta joined Islamabad on 50 after Thursday's truncated clash against old foes Peshawar Zalmi.

History is also backing the Gladiators to bounce back since they have never missed out on a playoff berth; in fact, they finished second in the standings at the conclusion of group stage in three of the previous four editions while in 2017 they qualified for the knockout stage with a fourth-place finish.

Moin maintained the lack of partnerships upfront and failure to contain the opposing teams...