Islamabad United (IU) and Karachi Kings (KK) will face each other in the last league of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) on 19th May at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Match Preview:
Both of the said teams have qualified for the next stage of the PSL. but the game can be interesting as both of the teams would be chasing for the top-two spot to tick the mark for the qualifiers and not eliminator. Although Karachi is at second place now but if they would lose this upcoming game, it may, slip their place to the 3rd position (given their net run rate is poorer than Islamabad’s)
Talking about the defending champions Islamabad they had a great start to this PSL X season as they won 5 games on a trot. Nevertheless, now they sit awfully at the fourth spot and if anything the side would look to gain some momentum before the all important knockout stage.
A lot will be dependent on the opener Sahibzada Farhan, captain Shadab Khan, all-rounder Imad Wasim and the pacers like Naseem Shah and Jason Holder. Recently, both the batting and bowling performance have been questionable and if anything United would look to solve them before it is too late for them.
Talking about Karachi, they have been playing amazing cricket, and look so consistent and a stable side. And they have gotten a major boost ahead of the game as the New Zealand opener Tim Seifert is back in town to participate.
The comeback of Hasan Ali was incredible for Karachi and the performance of Khsuhdil Shah has been consistent and incredible.David Warner also got his groove back by giving the man of the match performance against Peshawar Zalmi in the recent outing.
Moreover, Karachi would look to break the curse as in the last five outings, it was Islamabad who had the final laugh.
Karachi will go into the match with a strong start and a well-defined plan to hold Islamabad at bay and dash United’s hopes of pursuing a massive NRR swing. It’s United’s final opportunity to regain the form that made them competitive earlier in the tournament.
Probable Playing XI:
Islamabad United:
Alex Hales, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van Der Dussen, Agha Salman (c), Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan (wk), Mohammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis, Tymal Mills.
Karachi Kings:
David Warner (c), Tim Seifert, James Vince, Omair Yousuf, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi.
Pitch and weather report:
As always, Rawalpindi offers batting-friendly conditions. Under clear skies, with temperatures remaining consistent at 34°C even at night, expect another high-scoring match. It will be more of an endurance test than an execution test because there isn’t much chance of a wind.
Head-to-head record:
A total of 23 games have been played so far between these two sides with Islamabad holding a clear edge by winning 17 games while Kings could only win six. If anything, Karachi would look to extend the winning stretch today.
Prediction:
Karachi is favourite to win the upcoming game of the tournament.
Where to watch:
Pakistan (TV): A Sports HD, PTV Sports
Pakistan (Live Streaming): tapmad, Tamasha, Daraz, myco, bogn
UK: Sky Sports, Geo News (Sky 734)
North America: Willow
Africa: SuperSport
MENA Region: myco
Bangladesh: T Sports
Sri Lanka & Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
Rest of the World: Sports Central
