Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United, Pakistan Super League 2020, Today Match Prediction 04 Mar 2020

lhq vs isu Match Prediction & Analysis

Host Lahore Qalandars will be looking to stay alive in the competition when they take on Islamabad United in the 17th match of 2020 Pakistan Super League at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Lahore Qalandars finally managed to break their losing streak in the competition after registering a 37-run win over Quetta Gladiators in a game played at Gaddafi Stadium. The franchise will be looking to maintain their focus and intensity for this game.

On the other hand, Islamabad United have lost their last two matches in the competition and will need to make changes to their playing XI in order to come out on top against Lahore. Captain Shadab Khan will be hoping that the side can raise their game with bat and ball in this all-important clash.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Lahore Qalandars Preview

Lahore Qalandars completely outplayed Quetta Gladiators, courtesy splendid performances from Ben Dunk, Samit Patel and Salman Irshad. With this result, Lahore Qalandars have managed to register their first win of the season.

Earlier in the day, Lahore Qalandars got off to a decent start as Fakhar Zaman and Chris Lynn added 36 runs in the first four overs. Zaman once again failed to get big score and perished after scoring 15 runs off 14 balls. Mohammad Hafeez perished for a first-ball duck to see Leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed claim his first wicket of the innings.

Playing his only second game for Lahore Qalandars, Ben Dunk produced a scintillating performance with the bat. The left-hander came to the crease with Qalandars placed in a precarious situation at 50 for 3 after 7.3 overs. Ben Dunk and Samit Patel led the fightback for Lahore Qalandars and put on a 155-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The 32-year old Queenslander delivered an exhibition of power-hitting at its best. He smashed a record 10 sixes in his innings. Dunk fell just seven runs short of what could have been a brilliant hundred. He was provided adequately by Former England all-rounder Samit Patel, who also showed no mercy against the bowlers. He smashed 71 runs off 40 balls with the help of nine boundaries and two sixes.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on Shaheen Afridi, Salman Irshad and Dilbar Hussain to make crucial breakthroughs.  Rookie pacer Salman Irshad delivered a better performance in this game and finished with figures of 4 for 30 in his four overs. Dilbar Hussain continued his good form with the ball in hand and claimed two wickets.

Lahore Qalandars Predicted Playing XI:

Sohail Akhtar (captain), Seekkuge Prasanna, Fakhar Zaman, Chris Lynn, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk (wk), Faizan Khan, Samit Patel, Salman Irshad, Shaheen Afridi, Dilbar Hussain

Lahore Qalandars Actual Playing XI:

Salman Butt, Usman Khan, Sohail Akhtar, Muhammad Faizan, Dilbar Hussain, Chris Lynn, Mohammad Hafeez, S Prasanna, Salman Irshad, SR Patel, Ben Dunk

Islamabad United Preview

Two-time PSL Champions have suffered from inconsistency in this year’s competition. The bowling will be a cause of concern as they failed to defend big scores in the last two matches.

Faheem Ashraf might be dropped from the side after he conceded a lot of the runs in the previous game played against Karachi Kings. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar might be included in the playing XI for this game.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi and Shadab Khan to deliver the bulk of the runs. Wicket-keeper batsman Luke Ronchi is currently the leading run-scorer in this year’s competition. He has accumulated 194 runs in 5 matches at an average of 48.50 with two half-centuries to his name.

In the game against Karachi Kings, Ronchi delivered a scintillating innings and remained unbeaten till the end. He scored 85 not out off 58 balls with the help of nine boundaries and two sixes. He delivered crucial partnerships with Rizwan Hussain and Shadab Khan to see Islamabad United post 183 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

He was well supported by Shadab Khan, who notched up his second half-century for United this season. All-rounder scored 54 not out off 31 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes.

In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the new-pair of Dale Steyn and Rumman Raees to make crucial breakthroughs. Mohammad Musa and Ahmed Saifi Abdullah conceded a lot of runs and will need to make significant improvements for the next game.

Islamabad United Predicted Playing XI:

Shadab Khan (captain), Dale Steyn, Luke Ronchi (wk), Colin Ingram, Colin Munro, Asif Ali, Rumman Raees, Faheem Ashraf/Zafar Gohar, Muhammad Musa/Amad Butt, Rizwan Hussain, Ahmed Safi Abdullah.

Islamabad United Actual Playing XI:

Zafar Gohar, Luke Ronchi, Colin Munro, Colin Ingram, Hussain Talat, DW Steyn, Akif Javed, Rumman Raees, Asif Ali, Rizwan Hussain, Shadab Khan

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

Due to cloudy conditions expected, the quick bowlers might get some lateral movement with the new-ball. The weather forecast for the game to be played on Wednesday is expected to have light clouds in the evening.

Venue Details

Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore is going to host the 17th match of 2020 Pakistan Super League between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United.

In the previous meeting between the two teams, Islamabad United managed to edge out Lahore Qalandars in a thriller played at Gaddafi Stadium.

Toss: To Bowl

Both the teams will be looking to win the toss and bowl first on this surface. Spinners will get some help from the surface. All three games played this season have been won by sides batting second.