The UAE leg of the Pakistan Super League 2021 will begin with a clash between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on, Wednesday, 9 June.
With three wins and one defeat, Islamabad United is positioned at third place in the points table, while Lahore Qalandars, with an identical record, is at fourth by the virtue of net run-rate.
Islamabad United will be missing the service of Alex Hales, who has scored 139 runs in the first four matches. They roped in Usman Khawaja as replacement. Lewis Gregory and Phil Salt have also opted out of the second phase of the league. South Africa’s batter Janneman Malan was another player IU acquired in the replacement draft.
United will be coming to this fixture off a six-wicket win against Quetta Gladiators. Paul Stirling made a quickfire 56 in the game, and he will be expected to carry on the momentum in absence of Hales.
The Qalandars have also won their last match, against Karachi Kings. They chased down an imposing target of 187 with considerable ease, courtesy Fakhar Zaman’s 54-ball 83 and a blistering cameo from David Wiese (31 off 9)
The Qalandars possess arguably the most potent bowling attack in the league. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will spearhead the pace attack. The arrival of Rashid Khan, who replaced Shakib Al Hasan, has certainly bolstered the spin department. Rashid will be assisted by Samit Patel, and Mohammad Hafeez is also a handy option.
Overall, an exciting contest reckons as both teams would leave no stones unturned to keep the momentum going.
Head to Head
Islamabad United have won eight matches, while Lahore Qalandars have won two.
Probable XIs
Islamabad United: Paul Stirling, Usman Khawaja, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Musa
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Sohail Akhtar (c), Joe Denly, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk (wk), David Wiese, Zeeshan Ashraf, Samit Patel, Shaheen Afridi, Rashid Khan, Haris Rauf
Prediction
Karachi Kings to win this contest.