Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators, Pakistan Super League 2020, Today Match Prediction 20 Feb 2020

isu vs qtg Match Prediction & Analysis

The fifth edition of Pakistan Super League is going to be held in Pakistan, which is a big achievement for Pakistan Cricket Board. The opening game of the tournament will see reigning champions Quetta Gladiators take on Islamabad United at National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Thursday.

Bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan has been named captain of Islamabad United for this year’s tournament. Two-time champions have been most successful team in the history of Pakistan Super League and will be keen to make a serious dash at the trophy this season.

On the other hand, Quetta Gladiators finally managed to break their trophy drought last year. Sarfaraz-led unit put on a tremendous performance to beat Peshawar Zalmi in the finals of the competition. Gladiators will be looking to field their best combination for this contest.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Islamabad United Preview

Defending Champions will be looking to get off to a positive start in this year’s competition. The franchise has made notable acquisitions for the fifth edition. Jason Roy, Shane Watson and Ben Cutting will bolster the batting resources for Quetta Gladiators for the coming season. Left-arm quick Tymal Mills is another valuable addition to the bowling department.

The main agenda for Sarfaraz and co. will be to field their strongest playing XI for this opening game of the tournament. In the batting department, the side will be depending on the likes of Shane Watson, Ahmed Shehzad and Jason Roy to do the bulk of the scoring.

Mohammad Nawaz, Ben Cutting and Umar Akmal will make up the middle-order for Gladiators for this opening fixture. The batting trio will be given the task to pile on the runs in the last five overs of the innings. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will be the first-choice keeper for the side for this opening game of the season.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Fawad Ahmed to pick up wickets with the new ball. In his debut season for Quetta Gladiators, pacer Mohammad Hasnain claimed 12 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 17.58. Hasnain also was declared player of the match in the finals of 2019 Pakistan Super League.

Islamabad United Predicted Playing XI:

Shane Watson, Umar Akmal, Jason Roy, Ahmed Shehzad, Ben Cutting, Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain &wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Fawad Ahmed, Tymal Mills/Sohail Khan.

Islamabad United Actual Playing XI:

Amad Butt, Luke Ronchi, Colin Munro, Faheem Ashraf, Colin Ingram, Hussain Talat, Akif Javed, Asif Ali, Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Dawid Malan

Quetta Gladiators Preview

Shadab Khan and co. will be keen to get off to a decent start in this year’s competition. The franchise has brought in new players to bolster the overall squad this season.

In the batting department, United will be relying on the likes of Luke Ronchi, Colin Ingram and Phil Salt to do the bulk of the scoring. Opener Luke Ronchi had a decent outing with the bat for Islamabad United in the previous edition of the league. In 12 matches, Ronchi accumulated 319 runs at an average of 29.00 with three half-centuries to his name. Colin Ingram, Colin Munro and Dawid Malan have been signed by the franchise to bolster the middle-order for Islamabad United. Hussain Talat, Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf are three genuine all-rounders for Islamabad United for this opening game.

In the bowling department, Mohammad Musa and Rumman Raees will take the new-ball for the franchise. Zafar Gohar, Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan are other bowling options for this fixture.

Quetta Gladiators Predicted Playing XI:

Shadab Khan (captain), Phil Salt, Luke Ronchi (wk), Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Colin Ingram, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Zafar Gohar/Mohammad Musa.

Quetta Gladiators Actual Playing XI:

Ben Cutting, Sohail Khan, Jason Roy, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hasnain, Fawad Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, SR Watson, Abdul Nasir, Sarfraz Ahmed

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The wicket might off some lateral movement for quick bowlers with the new-ball. The batsmen will need to see off the new-ball to score runs on this pitch. The weather forecast for the game to be played on Thursday is going to clear skies with no sign of rain.

Venue Details

National Cricket Stadium in Karachi is going to host the opening game of 2020 Pakistan Super League between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United. Quetta Gladiators will take heart from the fact that they have won their last two matches against Islamabad United.

On the other hand, Islamabad United have managed to win three games out of four played at National Cricket Stadium in Karachi.

Toss: To Bowl

With the new wicket prepared for the game, both the teams will be keen to bowl first and exploit the moisture in the surface. Batting second will be best option in this opening fixture.