Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars PSL 2021, 20th match
The 20th match of the 2021 PSL Pakistan Super League will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday.
Islamabad United will be looking to make changes to their playing XI for this game. The batting line-up has struggled to produce competitive totals so far this year. Captain Shadab Khan will be hoping that the side can raise their game with the bat against Lahore.
On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars have produced excellent cricket so far this season. Captain Sohail Akhtar will be hoping that the side can continue their winning ways in the competition.
In the previous meeting between the two teams, Lahore Qalandars registered a comfortable win over Islamabad United.
Teams overview
Islamabad United
Two-time PSL Champions delivered a below-par batting performance in their previous game played against Lahore Qalandars. Despite losing their previous match, United are still placed at third with a positive net run rate.
The team management will be hoping that the opening pair of Usman Khuwaja and Colin Munro to get the side off to a good start. In the previous match, Khuwaja and Munro failed to capitalize on their decent starts.
Wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, captain Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Hussain Talat perished for low scores in the previous game.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf played sensible innings and helped Islamabad reach a respectable total against Lahore.
In the batting department, the side will be depending on the likes of Usman Khuwaja, Colin Munro, and Shadab Khan to deliver decent scores in this contest.
In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the pace trio of Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Waseem Jr., and Hasan Ali to deliver breakthroughs in the initial Powerplay overs.
Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars have managed to extend their lead at the top of the Pakistan Super League 2021 points table. The side has registered five victories out of six played so far this season.
In the batting department, the onus will be on the experienced trio of Sohail Akhtar, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Hafeez to make notable scores against Islamabad.
Mohammad Hafeez is the top run-scorer for Lahore Qalandars with 212 runs at a strike rate of 158.20. Opener Fakhar Zaman has also made 199 runs at a strike rate of 132.66.
In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the pace trio of James Faulkner, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf to make crucial breakthroughs.
Leg-spinner Rashid Khan has shown excellent form for Lahore Qalandars so far this season. He will be looking to continue his decent form with the bat in this fixture.
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been the best bowler for Lahore Qalandars so far this season and has picked up 10 wickets while bowling at an average of 18.10 and an economy rate of 7.50.
Match Conditions
The wicket prepared for the game at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will certainly assist the spinners. The batsmen will need to spend time in the middle to make notable scores on this surface. The weather forecast for Sunday’s game is going to be clear skies with a light breeze.
Game Statistics
Given their head-to-head record in the Pakistan Super League, Islamabad United have the upper hand with eight victories out of 11 matches played.
Player in-form
Ben Dunk has been a consistent performer for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. After producing a crucial score in the previous game, Ben Dunk will be looking to continue his merry ways with the bat against Islamabad United.
Predictions
Based on recent performances, Lahore Qalandars will be favorites to win their game against Islamabad United.
Lahore Qalandars have a slight advantage going into this game as they have a superior batting unit in comparison to Islamabad, who have certainly struggled to deliver so far this season.
Expect Lahore Qalandars to beat Islamabad United by a close margin.
