Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will face each other in the 33rd game of the ongoing PSL season on 23rd May at Gaddafi Cricket Stadium.
Match Preview:
It is the second last game of the season and if anything it is going to be fun as hometown team Lahore will square off against Islamabad in a do-or-die contest.
Islamabad United, who faltered against Quetta in the qualifier, has a second opportunity. The goal for the Lahore Qalandars is to build on their victory over the Karachi Kings in the Eliminator 1 match last night. What’s at stake? Nothing less than a chance to win the PSL.
Tonight’s encounter promises to be intense under the Lahore lights, with both teams evenly matched and everything on the line.
Quetta outperformed Islamabad United in the qualifier, with both their bowling and batting falling short when it counted most. As the pressure increased, their middle order broke down as their powerful top order failed to fire. They’re in a difficult place because of that loss. But there’s no denying the lineup’s talent. And now more than ever, Mike Hesson’s data-driven strategy will be tested.
It would be the last chance for United’s middle-order to fire and win a game to have a chance to win two consecutive PSL titles.
Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, come with fresh faith. Their victory over Karachi made a message rather than only being a result. Their reliable batting unit easily saved them despite their slightly poor bowling and fielding. As they aim to win their third PSL championship, the Qalandars appear to be ruthless and well-balanced.
However, they would not like to repeat the fielding and bowling performance they showed against Kings in the recent game as they dropped 4 catches and leaked almost more than 20 runs.
Probable Playing XI:
Islamabad United:
Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan (c), Jimmy Neesham, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Tymal Mills.
Lahore Qalandars:
Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Salman Mirza, Rishad Hossain
Pitch and weather report:
Both hitters and bowlers still face a talent test at the Gaddafi Stadium. Once you are set, there are runs to be scored, but the surface also provides some assistance to bowlers.
Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid-thirties despite twilight, so player endurance and management will be essential in the latter stages of each inning. Although the hot, dry air may offset it, expect dew to play a little effect.
Head-to-head record:
A total of 21 games have been played so far between these sides, Islamabad has won 11 while Lahore stood victorious in 10 games.
Prediction:
Given how they beat Karachi, Lahore is favourite to win this upcoming encounter.
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
