The Qalandars haven’t beaten the United in the PSL since the 2016-17 edition.
Preview
The second leg of the 2021 Pakistan Super League is all set to get underway at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will be locking horns on Wednesday, June 9. Both teams have had impressive runs thus far in the PSL 2021.
Having won three out of their first four games, they are well on their way of qualifying for the playoffs, though there’s a long way to go. Another win will take them to the top of the points table. Going into the next game, it’s pertinent to note that the Qalandars haven’t defeated the United since the 2016-17 edition.
Both sides also have a healthy net run rate, showing their decent run of form. But since they will be playing after a gap of three months, it remains to be seen how they adjust to the new conditions in the United Arab Emirates.
Match Details
Match – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United – 15th match
Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time – 9:30 PM IST, 04:00 PM GMT
Where to watch live – DSports
Pitch Report
In the 2020 IPL, the average first-innings score was around the 160-mark with a team once getting out for below 100. However, in most of the matches, the scores remained high and hence, a fairly high-scoring game can be expected on Wednesday. Teams should opt to bat second as the track has helped the chasing sides.
Avg first innings score: 162 (22 matches in IPL 2020 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 13, Lost – 8, Tied – 1
Playing combination for LAH vs ISL
Lahore Qalandars
Predicted XI
Fakhar Zaman, Zeeshan Ashraf, Sohail Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk, Samit Patel, David Wiese/James Faulkner, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Dilbar Hussain/Salman Mirza
Bench: Muhammad Faizan, Muhammad Zaid Alam, Callum Ferguson, Tim David, Sultan Ahmed, Tom Abell, Agha Salman, Joe Denly, Ahmed Daniyal, Seekkuge Prasanna, Maaz Khan, Dilbar Hussain/Salman Mirza
Islamabad United
Predicted XI
Alex Hales, Phillip Salt, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Lewis Gregory, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Musa
Bench: Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Paul Stirling, Akif Javed, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Rohail Nazir, Zafar Gohar, Reece Topley, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ali Khan, Chris Jordan, Zeeshan Zameer, Muhammad Akhlaq
LAH vs ISL Head-to-Head
Overall
Played – 10 | Lahore Qalandars – 2 | Islamabad United – 8 | N/R – 2
Probable best batsman of the match
Mohammad Hafeez-– Lahore Qalandars
Mohammad Hafeez, without much doubt, was the standout batter for the Qalandars in the first leg of PSL 2021. Batting in the middle-order, the veteran managed 181 runs in four matches at an average and strike-rate of 90.50 and 175.72 respectively along with a top score of an unbeaten 73. Not to forget that he can bowl handy off-breaks as well.
Alex Hales– Islamabad United
Alex Hales has been in stupendous form in franchise domestic T20 leagues over the last few months. He has shown his class for the United as well as he is currently their leading run-scorer. In four games, Hales has notched 139 runs at an average and strike rate of 34.75 and 171.60 respectively. The right-hander is again expected to play a key role.
Today’s match prediction: The team, batting second to win the match.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
