Islamabad United (IU), after beginning so strongly, have lost three games on the trot, and one of them, the most recent one, came against Quetta Gladiators (QG), whom they will play once again. But the good news for Islamabad is that they return home now. They have lost all three on the road, to be precise, in Lahore. However, their five-match winning streak still keeps them in the hunt for the playoff qualification.
Quetta, at this stage of the league, aren’t too naive either. They blasted 16 runs in the last over versus Islamabad in Lahore to pocket the game with one ball remaining. They are at the top of the table and have won all four of their recent completed games. A win could make them the first team to qualify for the playoffs. But history doesn’t seem to be on their side.
They have faced Islamabad in Rawalpindi twice and lost on both occasions. Barring Peshawar Zalmi, no visiting team has more wins than defeats in Rawalpindi. So, if Quetta are playing to get a little mental hiatus before the playoffs by qualifying early, they will need to go all out against IU at their own fortress.
Team Overview:
Islamabad United had a solid batting lineup, unless they didn’t. None of the batters on their payroll is naturally devoid of pizzazz, and to top it off with the fact that they have nearly every base covered. They have anchors and hitters. They have reliable batters, and they have finishers. In all three of the games they lost, their opposition outscored them in terms of run rate, and that is quite telling of why they have been getting the results they are. Add to that the fact that they will likely be without Shadab Khan and Colin Munro for this game, and their problems increase manifold.
Hasan Nawaz has proved to be a valuable floater for Quetta Gladiators. In eight games so far, he has batted at 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th position. Whatever shortcomings he has are covered efficiently by the presence of Finn Allen and Saud Shakeel. They also have great depth in their batting lineup, with Mohammad Wasim Jr. coming in as late as No. 9. The key to dominating Islamabad early on would be for their bowlers to get the top order cheaply. And they have just the right attack to do so. Quetta’s bowlers have the best bowling average amongst all teams this season.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Quetta and Islamabad are neck-and-neck in the games they have faced each other, with each side winning 10.
Weather and Pitch Report:
It’s been nearly a fortnight since the last time Rawalpindi hosted a PSL game. The venue has seen teams going for the most runs per over amongst all venues this year. So, expect a high-scoring game to unfold between both sides. The toss-winning captain would look to bat first and exploit the surface before it wears out and becomes challenging for batting. The rain has been forecasted for Rawalpindi, though the match should finish before it comes to ruin the party.
Prediction:
Islamabad United will look to end their ominous streak, but Quetta will make sure they don’t do so without giving it their everything.
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
