PSL 2023, LQ vs IU: Preview, Prediction and Fantasy Tips
Lahore Qalandars players celebrate a wicket (PCB)
The PSL 2023 season is set to continue with the Lahore Qalandars taking on the Islamabad United on February 27. The contest marks the fifth match for both sides in the ongoing tournament.
The Lahore Qalandars came back strongly following their 67-run trashing at the hands of Karachi Kings. They steamrolled the Quetta Gladiators in their subsequent fixture by 63 runs, and also defeated the Peshwar Zalmi in a high-scoring affair next up.
As of now, Shaheen Afridi and co. are placed at number three on the PSL 2023 points table.
The Islamabad United, on the other hand, are positioned at the second spot on the points table. They have secured three wins out of their four matches, with their only defeat coming against table-toppers Multan Sultans by 52 runs earlier in the PSL 2023 event.
The United are currently on a two-game winning streak, having overpowered the Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators with convincing margins.
Match Details
Date & Time: February 27, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Live Telecast & Streaming: Sony Sports Network & Sony Liv App
Pitch Report: The conditions at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium are known to be conducive for batting. In the first match played at the venue, the team batting first slammed 241 upfront. Overall, the average first-innings total here across all T20 matches have been 176.
Predicted Playing XI
Lahore Qalandars: Mirza Tahir Baig, Fakhar Zaman, Sam Billings (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, Rashid Khan, David Wiese, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan.
Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rassie van der Dussen, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mubasir Khan, Hasan Ali, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abrar Ahmed.
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeeper: Sam Billings
Batters: Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Asif Ali
All-Rounders: David Wiese, Shadab Khan, Sikandar Raza, Rashid Khan
Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed
Captain: Fakhar Zaman
Vice-Captain: Azam Khan
Prediction
The Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United side is considered as favourites to defeat the Lahore Qalandars in their upcoming much-awaited meeting.
 "Aakash Saini")
