Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United, Pakistan Super League (PSL), Today Match Prediction 15 Mar 2019

pz vs n/a Match Prediction & Analysis

Peshawar Zalmi will lock horns against Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Karachi on Friday. The winner of this game will setup a final clash with Quetta Gladiators on Sunday.

2017 PSL Champions suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Quetta Gladiators in the Qualifier game of the competition played on Wednesday. Peshawar Zalmi will need to raise their game as they will have second opportunity to secure their place in the finals of the competition.

On the other hand, Islamabad United notched up a comfortable win over Karachi Kings courtesy of splendid performances from Alex Hales, Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf. 

Defending Champions Islamabad United will be looking to produce their best game with bat and ball. The side has been inconsistent so far in this year’s competition. The knockout scenario might bring the best out of Islamabad United.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Peshawar Zalmi Preview

Zalmi will need to improve their game with the bat and ball in order to secure their place in the finals of the competition. Zalmi will become the only franchise to play three finals in a row in the competition if they beat Islamabad United in this game.

The responsibility will be on their in-form players like Imam-ul-Haq, Kieron Pollard and Kamran Akmal to do the bulk of the scoring. Imam and Akmal will need to deliver runs with the bat. The duo failed to capitalize on their decent starts in the previous game played against Quetta Gladiators.

Kieron Pollard looked menacing with the bat and smashed a quick-fire 44 runs off 22 balls with the help of six fours and a six. He was well supported by Darren Sammy, who also scored 46 off 21 balls with the help of two fours and five sixes. The duo added 90-run partnership to take the game down to the wire.

Umar Amin might come in place of either Misbah-ul-Haq or Sohaib Maqsood for this must-win game.

In the bowling department, Tymal Mills delivered a superb performance with the ball. Wahab Riaz also picked up two wickets in the game. Hasan Ali will need to put in special effort with the ball for Peshawar Zalmi.

Peshawar Zalmi Predicted Playing XI:

Kamran Akmal (wk), Imam-ul-Haq, Umar Amin, Sohail Maqsood/Misbah-ul-Haq, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy (c), Liam Dawson, Tymal Mills, Sameen Gul, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz

Peshawar Zalmi Actual Playing XI:

Hasan Ali, TS Mills, Umar Amin, Imam-ul-Haq, Wahab Riaz, Kieron Pollard, Nabi Gul, DJG Sammy, Chris Jordan, Kamran Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood

Islamabad United Preview

Reigning Champions delivered a clinical performance with the bat and ball to overcome Karachi Kings in the Eliminator game of PSL played on Thursday.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Cameron Delport, Luke Ronchi and Alex Hales to do the bulk of the scoring. 

Delport has currently topped the batting charts so far this season with 327 runs in 11 matches at an average of 32.70. Left-hander once again chipped in with crucial score for the side in the knockout game played against Karachi Kings.

Wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi failed to make an impact with the bat against Karachi Kings. Islamabad United will be hoping that Ronchi can find form with the bat and deliver something special against Peshawar Zalmi.

Alex Hales, Hussain Talat and Asif Ali played crucial knocks to see Islamabad United complete a comfortable chase against Karachi Kings. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf delivered a brisk cameo to help Islamabad cruise to a comfortable win.

In the bowling department, the focus will be on medium-pacer Faheem Ashraf to deliver the goods just like he is doing for the franchise this season with 21 wickets. He also had a good game with the ball against Karachi Kings and picked up two wickets in the game.

Rookie pacer Mohammad Musa also picked up three wickets in the knockout game played against Karachi Kings

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan has also put in some impressive performances with 10 wickets so far in this year’s competition.

Islamabad United Predicted Playing XI:

Luke Ronchi (wk), Cameron Delport, Alex Hales, Chadwick Walton, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Musa, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Sami(c), Rumman Raees

Islamabad United Actual Playing XI:

Alex Hales, Rumman Raees, Cameron Delport, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Chadwick Walton, Shadab Khan, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Musa, Luke Ronchi, Mohammad Sami

Weather Conditions

The wicket has certainly been excellent for batting in the knockout games played so far this season. The weather forecast for the game on Friday will be clear skies.

Venue

Against all odds, Islamabad United became the first side to successfully chase down a score of 162 runs posted by Karachi Kings. United will certainly gain a lot of confidence going into their game against Peshawar Zalmi.

Toss: To Bat

The side that wins the toss would be like to bat and post a daunting score on the board. Batting second has been difficult at this venue.