Peshawar Zalmi (PZ) have two wins in six games and are on the brink of becoming the other team besides Multan Sultans (MS) to have their campaign done and dusted within the group stages. If it happens, it will be the first PSL playoffs without Zalmi. Of all teams, PZ have oscillated the most. The results haven’t followed any pattern. It just seems to be a matter of what mood they’re in. If they’re not up to it, they collapse like a house of cards. If they are, they can take even the Goliaths down.
And Goliaths they are, who will be facing Peshawar today. Islamabad United have enjoyed the kind of success many teams can only dream of. Lahore Qalandars (LQ) did give them a taste of their own medicine in their recent game, but IU genuinely know all the ins and outs of the tournament. Although a defeat against Zalmi tonight would spice things up, United would not want to risk their dominance just for the sake of drama.
That said, Peshawar will still have their previous defeat versus Islamabad fresh in memory. Much of the damage to their NRR came from that 102-run loss in Rawalpindi. And Zalmi can’t afford the same treatment in this fixture. On the brighter side, the last time Peshawar won a game against Islamabad, it was their last match in Lahore, seasoned with a classic Babar Azam century; two things Zalmi fans would give anything to witness again today. In fact, Zalmi have the second-best win-to-loss ratio of all teams at Gaddafi Stadium. So, they have quite a lot to hold on to for hope.
Team Overview:
Peshawar Zalmi’s top order last season was the stuff of dreams. A rowdy Saim Ayub dispatching everything to the stands, while a much calmer Babar Azam kept him company in case things went sideways. It was the perfect combination. However, this season, the duo haven’t quite done the same. Babar has crossed double figures in only half of Zalmi’s games, and Saim’s strike rate is a low 106.15. This can be listed as one of many reasons behind Zalmi’s bad run. The middle order, by the standards of other teams, has done fairly well, largely due to Mohammad Haris and Hussain Talat.
Their bowling lineup hasn’t been exceptional either. In terms of bowling average and economy, they are better only than Multan Sultans. Even if they do make it past the group stages, which looks somewhat improbable, their issues will still stand in the way of going all the way.
Islamabad United are having a truly enviable title defense campaign, and all of this is thanks to their well-oiled team in nearly every department. The franchise prides itself on being data-driven, and this season, at least, the numbers are doing wonders for them. Their bowlers have gone just a run more than run-a-ball in terms of economy, which is gold in T20s. Their batters have not only batted at the highest average among all teams but also at the quickest. They have their winning formula sorted out, and there isn’t much that can hurt their chances of defending their title. Their defeat against Lahore at the same venue was significant, yes, but one would expect they know better than to go down the same road again.
Head-to-Head Matches:
In 25 games so far, Zalmi have won 12 games against Islamabad, while the remaining 13 saw Islamabad coming out on top.
Weather and Pitch Conditions:
There were some cracks on the surface in the last game played in Lahore. Although rain ended the game before spinners could fully exploit them, Abrar Ahmed managed two wickets in almost three overs before the storm forced everyone off the field. There will be some bounce in the deck, which will make it difficult to go big early against the new ball. However, once the ball gets 6-7 overs old, batters can bet on their chances for a high-scoring game.
Prediction:
Islamabad are the favourite to win this game, but Zalmi, on their survival mode, can go berserk at their favourite venue to uproot them.
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
