The Pakistan Super League (PSL) turns ten this season, and what better way to mark this milestone than with a face-off between two sides that encapsulate its contrasting journey? On one end, there is Islamabad United, who have been the league’s most consistent franchise since the beginning. On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars, who took their time settling in, but once they did, became a force to be reckoned with.
Islamabad enter this season with a trophy to defend, but no amount of silverware will be able to cover their shaky record against Lahore Qalandars lately. They have only played two home games against Lahore and ended up losing both of them. Ever since the league made its full return to the country, Islamabad have won only one out of seven games against LQ. That’s quite the stat for a team with as many as three PSL trophies in its trove.
As the two gear up to face off in Rawalpindi in the league opener, will Islamabad be able to better their record against a mercurial Lahore?
Team Overview:
Islamabad have, arguably, the best batting lineup in terms of depth in the PSL. They have anchors. They have more destructive batters. And to top it all off, they have a decent number of all-rounders in the squad. One question that they might want to focus on is how they are going to solve the spin problem within the team. They do not have a specialist spinner in their squad and hope to get this job done through their all-rounders. But in all fairness, this looks unsustainable at best.
Lahore Qalandars, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan, have just the right combination to tackle Islamabad’s batting-heavy side. With Fakhar Zaman likely to return, their opening stand will be bolstered. However, Abdullah Shafique’s woeful form of late might pose some serious problems for the side. They have some firepower packed in the middle order, with Daryl Mitchell, Sikandar Raza, Sam Billings, and David Wiese in it for some impactful late-inning runs.
Head-to-Head Record:
Both sides have played 19 matches against each other so far. Out of these, Islamabad have won 10, and Lahore have ended up as the better side in nine matches.
Weather and Pitch Report:
There were some early morning showers in the city on Friday, but not threatening enough to persist until the game. The clouds will still be covering the sky, but expect a full game to go on without any interruptions. Rawalpindi Stadium has lately embraced the reputation of a belter. PSL’s highest innings total (262) was scripted at this very venue, so expect a high-scoring game between both sides in the tournament opener.
Prediction:
Lahore Qalandars still have plenty of unanswered questions with respect to their batting, and on a venue like Rawalpindi, this might make all the difference in the world.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: A Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad, Tamasha, Walee Technologies, Myco App, Begin
India: FanCode App, Sony Sports Network
Africa: Super Sports
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
North America: Willow TV
MENA: MYCO
Rest of the World: Sports Central
