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PSL 2021 | ISU vs LHQ: With revenge on their mind, Shadab Khan’s men take on in form Qalandars

Abhishek Singh

When these two teams met last time in the Pakistan Super League 2021, it was the inaugural match of the Abi Dhabi leg and Qalandars managed to just sneak past the red lions in the last ball thriller. However, Islamabad United came back roaring in their very next encounter when they mauled the Quetta Gladiators by 10 wickets, chasing down 134 in just 10 overs.

The Qalandars, however, are unbeaten in the Abu Dhabi leg so far in their two games. After the narrow escape against united, they defeated the Zalmi comprehensively thanks to a brilliant spell by Rashid Khan who picked his first-ever five-wicket haul in the franchise cricket history. Oozing with confidence the Qalandars would look to seal the deal in this game and make sure that they are into the Playoffs before anyone else. 

Mathematically, if they win this game, and get to 12 points, they would require just one more victory in their remaining three games to qualify. However, there are many loopholes in the Qalandars lineup that might get exposed in coming games. To name a few, their top order is totally out of form including Professor Mohammaed Hafeez and skipper Sohail Akhtar, although he did score 40 in the first game.

Similarly, there was a lot of problem with the Islamabad squad too, but with their openers, Colin Munro and Usman Khawaja, putting on a brilliant performance in the last game, the middle-order woes that troubled the Sherus in Karachi as well as the first encounter here, seemed to have been covered up. But for how long is the question?

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars: Match Details

Match Number-20

Date and Time: June 13th 2021, 06: 30 pm IST, 01:00 pm GMT, 05:00 pm Local

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Broadcast and Live Stream: Sony Liv

Pitch Report

More than five games have been played at the stadium, different pitches have been used, of course, but as far as the nature of the ground is concerned, it has produced wickets that have bounce and carry but at the same time are susceptible to grip and holding up after a considerable period of time elapsing in the game. Batters, if they apply themselves can get runs as well, as has been shown by Tim David and Munro in different games. 

Weather and Toss

The Weather in Abu Dhabi as expected is great for a cricket game. Since this game would have sunlight at least during the first innings, a great amount of heat can be expected in deserts. It would take time to cool down so more or less both the teams would have similar weather experience.  As far as the toss is concerned, as has been the tradition in UAE, win the toss and field first is most likely to continue. 

Team News

Islamabad United

Faheem Ashraf’s injury seemed to be a blessing in disguise for the red Shadab led squad as Mohammad Musa utilised the opportunity to produce a great performance with the ball, picking up two wickets. Even Akif Ajved, who came in place of Fawad Ahmed was more than good enough with the new ball. Thus, no changes would be expected from the Islamabad team going into this game. 

Probable XI

Colin Munro, Usman Khawaja, Hussain Talat, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Musa, Akif Javed, Mohammad Wasim Jr

Lahore Qalandars

Sohail Akhtar and the team management have played the same team in both the games and whenever the skipper was asked if he would change the team, the reply was the same, “we would play according to conditions.” Mohammad Faizan, the right arm youngster hasn’t really been able to impress in the two outings and seems like the only weak link in the team. Muhammad Zaid Alam is another youngster waiting in the wings and can be tried. 

Probable XI

Fakhar Zaman (c), Sohail Akhtar, Muhammad Faizan/ Muhammad Zaid Alam, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk (wk), Tim David, Rashid Khan, James Faulkner, Ahmed Daniyal, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

Dream XI / Fantasy XI predictions

Sohail Akhtar, Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Ben Dunk (wk), Tim David (vc), Mohammad Hafeez, Rashid Khan (c), James Faulkner, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Shaheen Afridi

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