Well, finally the alarm bells are ringing as PSL begins after 97 days since the day it was postponed due to the Covid pandemic. The league has been shifted to UAE and all the remaining matches will be held here. Teams have been through 7 days of mandatory quarantine before they started their practice sessions. This will bring some joy to Pakistan and of course to the T20 cricket lovers.
Pakistan Super League Season: 6
Lahore Qalandars will take on Islamabad United.
Venue and Time:
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi at 8.00 pm Local time, (9.30 pm IST)
Both the teams have won 3 matches and lost 1 of their four matches. United stands at 3rd whereas Qalandars is at 4th on the points table.
Overseas players who aren't available:
Lahore Qalandars: Samit Patel, Tom Abell, David Wiese, Joe Denly
Islamabad United: Phil Salt, Alex Hales, Lewis Gregory
Overseas players who will be available:
Lahore Qalandars: Callum Ferguson, Seekuge Prasanna, James Faulkner, Tim David
Islamabad United: Usman Khawaja
Team News:
Qalandars started the second half in a pretty unpleasant situation, According to the Indian Express's report, Ben Dunk got injured. "Dunk is recovering and we hope that he will be available," said their CEO Sameen Rana. However, there are some other reports that suggested that he may not be available, In that case, Zeeshan Ashraf may keep the wickets and Tim David may replace Dunk. The emerging player from Singapore who is known for his power-hitting ability has already been compared with Pollard by some while some others have compared him to Russell. He has scored 279 runs at an average of 31 and a brilliant strike rate of 153.30. It will be ecstatic to see how he will perform in the Asian conditions. Qalandars have the likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Akhtar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, James Faulkner, and of course the best in the business in Rashid Khan. The team reached the final of the last edition but couldn't finish it off. They will be aiming to start this second leg on a positive note. They have the best pace bowling trio in this tournament. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Dilbar Hussain have been doing exceptionally well for the franchise, adding to that Rashid Khan, the winner of the best T20 bowler of the decade award has been drafted into the side and is expected to boss in the middle overs. The runner-ups are looking to win their first title and you can't deny that this team has a formidable amount of match-winners to make it possible.
Colin Munro had a terrific Big bash season this year, He scored 443 runs at an average of 31.64 and a strike rate of 128.03 whereas Usman Khawaja who had a decent Big bash season scored 338 runs at an average of 24.14. Usman's inclusion will bring solid balance in the batting lineup along with the likes of Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, and Faheem Ashraf. The team is full of all-rounders including the skipper himself who had a terrific last season with both the bat and ball, he had scored 263 runs at an average of 37.57 and a strike rate of almost 160, The two-time champion side have their hero in Hasan Ali who has been nominated by ICC for the ICC Men's Player of the month award (May). United fans will have high expectations from Hasan Ali. It will be interesting to see how the teams will adapt to these new conditions, UAE pitches have always been known for being on the sluggish side, and considering the slow pitches the doors for Fawad Ahmed should get open so as to grab a place in the playing XI. On the other hand, Faheem Ashraf has had a significant impact with both the bat and the ball and he will be the key man for his team to get them over the line.
Key players to watch out for
Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Hafeez, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakar Zaman
Islamabad United: Shabad Khan, Colin Munro, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf
Probable Playing XI (LQ): Sohail Akhtar ©, Fakar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Zeeshan Ashraf, Tim David, James Faulkner, Rashid Khan, Seekkuge Prasanna, Haris Rauf, Shah Afridi, Dilbar Hussain.
Probable Playing XI (IU): Shadab Khan ©, Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Rohail Nazir, Hasif Ali, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Fawad Ahmad, Muhammad Musa.
Pitch Report: Though the pitches here in UAE are known to be sluggish, the pitch will be fresh enough to bat on.
Dream XI fantasy team:
Wicket Keeper: R Nazir
Batsmen: C Munro, F Zaman, T David
All-Rounders: M Hafeez, I Ahmed, F Ashraf (Captain).
Bowlers: R Khan (Vice-Captain), H Ali, S Afridi, H Rauf
Predictions:
If the Qalandars bat first, they should score around 160-175. However, if United bats first, they should end up around 145-160. We believe the Qalandars will have an upper hand in terms of winning this game.
Note: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. Please ensure that while you select your team, consider the points that are mentioned and make your own decision accordingly.
Where to watch in India:
Sony Six(Television Streaming), Sony Liv(Online Streaming)
