Karachi Kings Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Match Preview
The Karachi Kings have lost two in two, and both in terrifying fashion. In the first game, they lost, chasing 177, despite coming close to the target. In the next, they made 190 and failed to defend the total. While the bowling failed on two occasions, the batting was heavily dependent on one man, despite decent outings with the bat. Babar Azam made 85 in Karachi’s chase of 177, batting through the whole innings. The next highest scorer was Walton with 35, and Babar Azam almost carried his side to a win on his own. Against United, he made 81 and had minimal support from the top-order. He batted well, and whirlwind innings from Najibullah Zadran took the side to 190.
The Karachi Kings are currently fourth on the table and hanging on to a top-four spot by a thread. With issues in both departments, Karachi has a lot to fix if they keep themselves in the top four.
Above Kings on the table are Peshawar Zalmi. They are on third, with four wins in eight games. The two sides have already faced each other in the tournament, with Karachi winning Karachi. While Peshawar is third, they haven’t been too consistent themselves. They lost two of their last three games and have struggled both while chasing and defending. With David Miller looking consistent, there have been some good individual performances, but like Karachi, Peshawar needs to find ways to fire in both departments.
With both sides close to each other on the table and Quetta playing before them, the upcoming results are essential for the points table. If Quetta wins, the two sides may feel the pressure as the gap begins to close.
Karachi Kings Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Team News
Peshawar Zalmi, lead by Wahab Riaz, has been a touch inconsistent but looks good. With Shoaib Malik, Shane Rutherford, and David Miller performing, the batting seems fine. The bowling has also looked good, with Mohammad Irfan doing well. The captain, however, has been a touch inconsistent and will hope to step up soon.
The Karachi Kings are also unlikely to tinker with their batting despite the over-reliance on Babar Azam. The top-order has quality with Martin Guptill present and Thisara Perera down the order. With high scores conceded in two games, the bowling may have some changes. With talents like Danish Aziz on the bench, a swap is possible. Mohammad Amir has been expensive in the last two games, but the Kings won’t want to bench him just yet with him as attack leader.
Karachi Kings Vs, Peshawar Zalmi, Predicted XIs
Karachi Kings: Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam, Martin Guptill, Najibullah Zadran, Chadwick Walton (wk), Thisara Perera, Imad Wasim (C), Qasim Akram, Waqas Maqsood, Mohammad Amir, Arshad Iqbal.
Peshawar Zalmi: Kamran Akmal (WK), Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, David Miller, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Fabian Allen, Wahab Riaz (C), Umaid Asif, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Irfan.
Karachi Kings Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Players to Watch out for
Babar Azam:
The star picks from the Karachi Kings are a no-brainer. Babar Azam has dominated his opponents in both games, and with a bit of support, the Pakistan captain may have tasted victory on both occasions. He is in good form, with two eighties in two games, and is likely to maintain his consistency.
David Miller:
David Miller has been pretty consistent so far, with decent scores through the week. He has two starts and a 73 and can be a very explosive player on his day.
Karachi Kings Vs Peshawar Zalmi, Pitch Report
The Abu Dhabi surface has been balanced throughout the tournament. With the game going on, signs of wear may set in as the ball starts turning. However, with both sides having solid batsmen, chasing may be a good choice for the side that wins the toss.