PSL 2021: Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

Karachi Kings didn’t make the best of starts to the second leg of PSL 2021 in Abu Dhabi. After going down to the Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan, by 12 runs, the Imad Wasim-led unit are currently placed fourth in the points table.

In fact, the Kings are yet to win two matches in succession in the ongoing tournament. Their next match is against the Shadab Khan-captained Islamabad United on Monday, June 14.

In the meantime, the United have been dealt with a blow after their leading wicket-taker this season, Hasan Ali, ruled himself out of the remaining games due to personal reasons. In their last meeting, the United beat the Kings by five wickets.

Match Details

Match – Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings – 22nd match

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 09:30 PM IST, 04:00 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has been a sporting one thus far. The batters have been able to play the big shots without much fuss. The bowlers, especially the spinners have gotten benefits from the surface. The pacers also had their fair share of joys. Going by the trends of the matches, chasing has been on the tougher side and batting first should be the way forward.

Avg first innings score: 163 (5 matches in PSL 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 3, Tied – 0

Playing combination for ISL vs KAR

Islamabad United

Predicted XI

Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shadab Khan (C), Iftikhar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Ali Khan, Akif Javed, Muhammad Musa

Bench: Zafar Gohar, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Zeeshan Zameer, Brandon King, Muhammad Akhlaq, Umar Amin, Fawad Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf

Karachi Kings

Predicted XI

Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam, Martin Guptill, Najibullah Zadran, Chadwick Walton (wk), Thisara Perera, Imad Wasim (C), Qasim Akram, Waqas Maqsood, Mohammad Amir, Arshad Iqbal

Bench: Mohammad Ilyas, Abbas Afridi, Aamer Yamin, Zeeshan Malik, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Haris, Noor Ahmad

ISL vs KAR Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 15 | Islamabad United– 9 | Karachi Kings – 6 | N/R – 0

Probable best batsman of the match

Babar Azam—Karachi Kings

Babar Azam has arguably been the standout batter for the Kings in the PSL 2021. He scored in the 80s last time around and showed decent form, though his team couldn’t get over the line. Overall, the youngster has notched 343 runs in the event at an average and strike rate of 114.33 and 137.75 respectively. With four fifties, the onus will again be on him to guide the Kings.

Probable best bowler of the match

Mohammad Wasim— Islamabad United

The 19-year-old Mohammad Wasim has been mightily impressive for the United. In Hasan Ali’s absence, the speedster has to lead the pace bowling unit. In six games, Wasim has picked as many wickets at an economy rate of 6.31. In the previous game against the Quetta Gladiators, the North Waziristan-born rattled Faf du Plessis’ woodwork with a length delivery.

Today’s match prediction: Karachi Kings to win the match.

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