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PSL 2021 Preview | Peshawar vs Islamabad: It's clash of titans as race to helm intensifies

Somya Kapoor

The two in-form teams Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi will be up against each other in the first clash of the day on Thursday (June 17, 2021) in Abu Dhabi. Both the sides will be coming into this game with a win in their previous respective matches. 

Interestingly, both the sides defeated Karachi Kings. The only difference between the two teams was that Zalmi bowlers had rattled Karachi batting line up while Islamabad batsmen, especially Colin Munro took on the charge and helped his side chase down a stiff target of 191 by 8 wickets. Munro remained unbeaten at 88 off 56. 

For Zalmi, it was captain Wahab Riaz and Abrar Ahmed first who shared a total of six Karachi wickets out of the nine and then Hazratullah Zazai took on the onus of himself and struck 63 off 26. 

Well, while the two teams might be coming into the match with a win, Islamabad would be looking to take revenge for the last encounter when these two sides faced each other. 

During the first leg of the PSL, Peshawar defeated Islamabad by 6 wickets where Wahab scalped a four-wicket haul for his side to bundle out Islamabad for 118 and the rest of the task was concluded by the batsmen. 

Match Details

Match – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi – 25th match

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 06:30 PM IST, 01:00 PM GMT

Pitch Report

The tracks in Abu Dhabi have something on offer for the spinners. Though, Wahab Riaz had some good time in the middle after he bagged a three-for against Karachi on Tuesday. The slowish nature of the pitch might favour the spinners especially in the middle overs. So, the team that wins the toss should elect to field first. 

Team News

Peshawar Zalmi: Peshawar Zalmi bowlers had a brilliant outing against Karachi Kings in their previous match and would be looking to continue that in the later stage of the tournament. Captain Wahab Riaz ripped through the Islamabad batting unit, the last time the two sides met and he would seek to repeat the feat. 

Apart from the bowling, Zalmi has a brilliant aggressive opener in Hazratullah Zazai who has the ability to take on any bowling attack. The left-handed batsman unleashed something similar against Karachi. He can provide the team with a brisk start and the middle-order can chip in later on. 

Earlier, three Zalmi players David Miller, Fabian and Fidel Edwards had left the PSL midway for national duties. South Africa and West Indies are slated to play T20I series beginning on June 26. 

Islamabad United: Islamabad United are riding high on Munro and Iftikhar Ahmed’s form who anchored the side to a 8-wicket win against Karachi. The two players have the ability to stitch a stand and provide resistance to the team in the middle overs and then chip with some strokes all around the park. 













Pacer Hasan Ali who had earlier opted out of the PSL 2021 due to personal reasons later decided to stay back and be with the team. 

"I was going through a personal family issue, which has been resolved thanks to my wonderful wife," Hasan was quoted as saying in a media release. 

"She has assured me she will take care of it and wants me to concentrate on my cricket and my career. Hats off to such a wonderful partner. She has always stood by me through the hardest times and after consulting with her I have decided to stay on with Islamabad United for the remainder of PSL 6. I would like to thank Islamabad United for their support and understanding during this tough period,” Hasan Ali further added.

Probable XI

Islamabad United

Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan (C), 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 (C), Umaid Asif, Mohammad Irfan, Sameen Gul

Fantasy XI

Colin Munro, Hazratullah Zazai, Kamran Akmal, Shadab Khan (C), Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik (VC), Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan 

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