PSL 2020, Match 20, Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The points table in the PSL 2020 is becoming cramped up with the progression of every other game. Saturday, March 07 will be a witness to a doubleheader in the T20 tournament. In the day’s first match, the Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi would be locking horns at the Rawalpindi International Stadium. Their previous match at the same venue a few days ago got abandoned.

Both sides are hanging in between the points table with seven points each from as many matches. The United are coming off a thumping 71-run victory against the Lahore Qalandars. The Zalmi, on the other hand, thumped the Quetta Gladiators by 30 runs and are in good rhythm. On head-to-head, the United have a 6-5 lead over their opponent with the Zalmi winning the last two times.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Rawalpindi has dished out mercilessness for the bowling sides. In the matches played thus far at the venue, the team, batting second has won thrice. The track isn’t expected to change much going ahead. There are forecasts of heavy rain on Saturday and it won’t be a surprise if another washed-off game takes place. The temperature will be around 14 degrees Celsius.

Team Combination

Islamabad United

Luke Ronchi is their leading run-scorer with 242 with a couple of fifties to show for his efforts. Shadab Khan promoted himself up the order and that has paid dividends as he has 160 runs at an average of 40. Colin Ingram is in pretty good form as well, scoring 145 runs at a strike-rate of 155.91.

Colin Munro would also be high on confidence after scoring an unbeaten 87 against the Qalandars. In the bowling lineup, Shadab Khan and Muhammad Musa have five wickets each. Dale Steyn only has two wickets, though at an economy of 6.87. The rest of the bowlers also need to be in form.

Probable XI

Luke Ronchi (wk), Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (C), Colin Ingram, Asif Ali, Rizwan Hussain, Hussain Talat, Zafar Gohar, Akif Javed, Dale Steyn, Rumman Raees

Peshawar Zalmi

Kamran Akmal has been the Zalmi’s standout batsman without a doubt. In six matches, the opener has 200 runs at a strike-rate of 168.06. Tom Banton floundered in the first five games and he was replaced by left-hander Imam-ul-Haq. Shoaib Malik’s 68 last time would keep him in good stead.

Haider Ali has 153 runs with a top score of 47. The role of Liam Livingstone will also hold a fair amount of significance. Wahab Riaz, the recently appointed full-time Zalmi skipper, has eight wickets to his name. Yasir Shah has been pretty impressive in the last couple of matches he has taken part.

Probable XI

Kamran Akmal (wk), Imam-ul-Haq, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Liam Livingstone, Lewis Gregory, Liam Dawson, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz (C), Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali

Probable Top Performers

Luke Ronchi– Islamabad United | Kamran Akmal– Peshawar Zalmi

Broadcast Details

TV: D Sport

Live Streaming – Cricket GateWay

Match Timings – 14:30 IST; 14:00 local; 09:00 GMT

The prediction is for Peshawar Zalmi to win the match.