PSL 2020: Match 28, Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Can Islamabad United make it to the top four?

Published - 14 Mar 2020, 10:45 IST | Updated - 14 Mar 2020, 10:45 IST

3 Min Read

We have just three games remaining and this is a huge game in the context of the semi-finals. Coronavirus has hogged all the spotlight but these are two teams still in contention for a spot in the top four.

Karachi Kings are currently second on the points table with nine points. They have been up and down a touch. However, they did win their last game against Lahore Qalandars in dominant fashion, beating them by 10 wickets. Another win will guarantee them a spot in the top four.

On the other hand, Islamabad United are in a tricky spot. They are second-last at the moment with seven points. However, things could change very fast. This is their last league game and it is a must-win one. A win in this game will keep them in contention. But they will need one result going their way and that is Lahore Qalandars losing their final league game against Multan Sultans.

Hence, this are getting tense and despite the lack of fans in the stadium and a few foreign players, PSL is heading to a tight finish.

Pitch and Conditions

The temperatures are going to be in the mid-20s and humidity will be around under 30-40%. The pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi is a decent one to bat on. The last couple of games have just seen scores of around 150 batting first. The ball comes on to the bat nicely at this venue. Hence, we could be in for another relatively high-scoring game.

Team Combinations

Karachi Kings

Babar Azam has been in very good form this season. He’s scored three half-centuries and averages 58.80 while amassing 294 runs. Alex Hales was the other big run-getter but he has departed from the PSL. Cameron Delport might replace him and bat in the middle-order. Sharjeel Khan has blown hot and cold but looked in great touch in the last game as he scored an unbeaten 74.

Imad Wasim’s contribution with both bat and ball will be crucial. Mohammad Amir and Chris Jordan have been leading the charge with the ball for Karachi Kings. They have combined to 18 wickets in this season.

Probable XI: Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Umaid Asif, Chadwick Walton (wk), Cameron Delport, Imad Wasim (c), Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Amir

Islamabad United

Colin Munro and Luke Ronchi have been excellent at the top of the order for Islamabad United. They’ve been the leading run-getters as they’ve made 248 and 266 runs respectively. But they are heading back home and Islamabad United are likely to have a new opening pair. Philip Salt may come in along with Hussain Talat.

Shadab Khan has been brilliant all-round. He’s made 251 runs at a strike-rate of 166.22 and has also picked up six wickets. However, it’s the rest of the bowling attack that hasn’t really stepped up. Dale Steyn is heading back as well and Islamabad need to find a replacement for him. They have Faheem Ashraf in the ranks and he might be the one coming in for the South African pacer.

Probable XI: Philip Salt, Rizwan Hussain, Colin Ingram, Shadab Khan (c), Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Amad Butt, Faheem Ashraf/Zafar Gohar, Akif Javed, Muhammad Musa, Rumman Raees