Islamabad United Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Match Preview:
The table-toppers go up against each other as the league approaches the closing stages. With teams now fighting harder for a spot in the playoffs, the upcoming game feature two sides who are serious title contenders. Both teams played the Karachi Kings in their previous encounters and triumphed. While Peshawar dominated, United had a slightly closer game. However, Islamabad is currently enjoying a three-match win streak, while Zalmi just returned after a few losses.
Peshawar Zalmi is two points below United, but with a decent net-run rate, they may overthrow United at the top if they are to win. The Peshawar Zalmi have looked dominating with the bat and have also notched up some decent bowling performances. They restricted Karachi to 108 the other night and completed the chase in eleven overs. On the other hand, United didn’t bowl too well in their previous encounter but batted brilliantly to chase 191.
With both teams firing across their departments, the game would be a psychological boost to the winner of the current encounter. The two sides faced off in the Pakistan leg, and it ended badly for Islamabad. They were poorly dominated, making only 118, but did well to stretch the game until the 17th over.
Islamabad United Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Team News:
Throughout the season, Peshawar has been good with the ball. Their bowling has been boosted with Wahab Riaz returning to form. He was brilliant the other night and took three wickets to dent Karachi. One of his wickets was of Babar Azam, who is among the best batters in the league. With the side doing well in both aspects, there may not be too many changes ahead of the upcoming clash. The batting looks good; although Kamran Akmal’s form may worry them, he will most likely continue to play.
Islamabad’s bowling has been a bit inconsistent. In one game, they defended 152, but in another, they conceded 190. They will be boosted by the news of Hasan Ali staying. The pacer was supposed to leave due to personal issues but stayed back after the problem was solved. His stay may motivate them, and Hasan Ali may be able to play with more focus. The batting has inconsistent as well but has fired when needed. After a chase of 190, the side may not look into the batting much.
Islamabad United Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Predicted XIs:
Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Ali Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Akif Javed.
Peshawar Zalmi: Hazratullah Zazai, Kamran Akmal (wk), Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Abrar Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Umaid Asif, Mohammad Irfan, Sameen Gul.
Islamabad United Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Players to Watch out for:
Shadab Khan:
The Islamabad captain has been good with his leadership so far and has made some decent contributions. With a big game ahead, he may enjoy the opportunity and step up with his performance. He has done his best to contribute both with ball and bat and will likely play a crucial part today.
Shoaib Malik:
Shoaib Malik was dismissed for a duck during the victory against Karachi and will hope to rectify the failure. He is a big match player, and in a game between the table toppers, he may enjoy the limelight.
Islamabad United Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Pitch Report:
The Abu Dhabi pitch has been balanced so far but has also shown that defending could be easy. Sides have done well defending moderate scores, and with pitches getting slower, batting first may be a good option. There haven’t been too many high scores chased so far, and with both sides having good bowling attacks, they may enjoy defending.
