PSL 2020: 1st Semi-final, Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips-Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 1st semi-final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The match will start at 2:00 PM Local time (09:00 AM GMT) (2:30 PM IST). This match will be live on DSport in India.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus COVID-19, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to do away with the playoffs concept and reduce the playing days. And, so on Tuesday, we will see both the semi-finals take place; the first of which will be played between table-toppers Multan Sultans and former champions Peshawar Zalmi.

Multan Sultans have been pretty brilliant throughout the tournament and will be looking to carry their form into the knockout stage of the competition. They, however, come into this game on the back of a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Lahore Qalandars after they failed to defend their total of 187 thanks to a whirlwind hundred from Chris Lynn- 113 off 55 balls.

Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, will be looking the shrug off the ignominy of suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Multan Sultans in the group-stage. But, it wouldn’t be an easy task, considering that they are one of the worst-hit teams due to the exodus of foreign players and the onus of leading the pack will be on the likes of Shoaib Malik, Imam Ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal and Haider Ali.

Weather Condition/Report

Bright spells of sunshine followed by overcast conditions is set to be the order of the day in Lahore on Tuesday. According to the report, the temperature is set to fluctuate between 13-26 degrees Celsius while the humidity is set to hover around 40%. Chances of rain- 10℅

Pitch Condition/Report:

Another placid track is expected at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the semi-finals. The past three games have seen a similar script being played out: teams overhauling whatever target that is set by the opponent. The targets of close to 190 have been chased down on three consecutive occasions with absolute disdain, and come to the semi-finals, both sides will be looking to put the opposition in and chase later.

Average first innings score: 187 (In the last three completed games played at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 0

Injury and Availability News

Sikandar Raza has been added to the Peshawar Zalmi squad.

Probable Playing XIs

Multan Sultans

Zeeshan Ashraf (WK), Rohail Nazir, Moeen Ali, Shan Masood (C), Ravi Bopara, Khushdil Shah, Shahid Afridi, Imran Tahir, Ali Shafiq, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan

Bench – Usman Qadir, Mohammad Ilyas, Junaid Khan, Asad Shafiq

Peshawar Zalmi

Kamran Akmal (WK), Imam-UI-Haq, Umar Amin, Shoaib Malik, Haider Ali, Sikandar Raza, Wahab Riaz [c], Adil Amin, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan/Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali

Bench– Yasir Shah/Mohammad Amir Khan, Aamir Ali, Hammad Azam

Top Picks: 

Multan Sultans: Zeeshan Ashraf scored a half-century, the last time these sides locked horns while the trio of Shan Masood [42], Ravi Bopara [33] and Khushdil Shah [70* off 29 balls] were the spearheads behind Multan posting 6-187 against Qalandars. They will once again lead the batting-unit.

Sohail Tanvir [3-26] and Ali Shafiq [2-31] were instrumental in Multan defending their total against Peshawar Zalmi in their previous meeting. They will once again be the key to their fortunes. Imran Tahir will lead the spin-bowling department.

Peshawar Zalmi: In the absence of the overseas firepower, the onus of leading the batting-unit will be on the likes of Kamran Akmal, Imam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik and Haider Ali. As far as bowling is concerned, Rahat Ali claimed 3-24 in his last outing against Multan Sultans. He, along with skipper Wahab Riaz will be the key.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Khushdil Shah, Haider Ali, Kamran Akmal

Vice-Captain – Zeeshan Ashraf, Shoaib Malik, Imran Tahir

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Zeeshan Ashraf (VC), Kamran Akmal (C)

Batsmen- Imam-ul-HaqHaq, Khushdil Shah, Haider Ali, Shan Masood

All-Rounders: Shoaib Malik, Moeen Ali

Bowlers- Ali Shafiq, Imran Tahir, Wahab Riaz

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Kamran Akmal

Batsmen- Ravi Bopara, Khushdil Shah (C), Umar Amin, Haider Ali (VC)

All-Rounders: Shoaib Malik, Sikandar Raza

Bowlers- Sohail Tanvir, Imran Tahir, Rahat Ali, Ali Shafiq

Experts Advice

The likes of Khushdil Shah and Haider Ali have left a big impact courtesy their whirlwind performances in the league-stage. Hence, picking them as captain/vice-captain of your grand league team could be worth a punt.

Probable Winners

Multan Sultans is expected to come out as winners.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.