Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi, Pakistan Super League (PSL), Today Match Prediction 21 Feb 2019

kk vs pz Match Prediction & Analysis

Karachi Kings will look to turn their fortunes around when they will face Peshawar Zalmi in the 9th game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Sharjah on Thursday.  

Skipper Imad Wasim will be hoping that side can make a strong comeback in this game. In their previous game, Kings suffered a 22-run defeat against Lahore Qalandars. With this result, Kings are lying in the bottom half of table with two points to their name.

On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi produced a clinical performance with the ball to notch up their first win of the competition. Skipper Darren Sammy will be hoping that can continue the good form in this game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Karachi Kings Preview

Kings will be desperate for a better show as they are currently placed on fifth position on the league table, but a win could lift them to second position.

In the batting department, the focus will be on the likes of opening duo of Liam Livingstone and Babar Azam to deliver the goods for the team, as they’ve scored 105 and 93 runs respectively at averages of 52.50 and 46.50. Azam has been consistent performer for the side and chipped in with 28 off 38 balls with the help of two boundaries.

The big positive from the previous game was wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan scoring runs with the bat. He scored 34 off 33 balls with the help of one six.  South African batsman Colin Ingram has struggled to get going in the two games played so far. Left-handed batsman will need to spend time at the crease to find his rhythm with the bat.

The lack of runs from the middle-order will be a cause of concern for Kings as the likes of Sikandar Raza, Ravi Bopara and Captain Imad Wasim will need to contribute with the bat in this game.

In the bowling department, left-arm orthodox spinner Umer Khan was standout performer with two wickets to his name. Pace bowler Mohammad Amir has produced excellent spells for the side with the new-ball. Imad Wasim has bowled well in the two games played.

 

Karachi Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Imad Wasim (c), Ravi Bopara, Liam Livingstone, Babar Azam, Colin Ingram, Ravi Bopara, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Amir, Umer Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Sohail Khan.

Karachi Kings Actual Playing XI:

Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Mohammad Amir, SI Wasim, Mohammad Rizwan, Sikandar Raza, Colin Ingram, Liam Livingstone, Aamer Yamin, Umer Khan, Ben Dunk

Peshawar Zalmi Preview

 

The franchise is coming into the game on the back of impressive performance produced against Lahore Qalandars. The bowlers put in a pitch perfect display to setup a comprehensive win for Peshawar Zalmi.

In the batting department, the team will be depending on the likes of Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq to do the bulk of the scoring. Peshawar Zalmi seems to be heavily reliant on Kamran Akmal to provide them brisk starts in the initial Powerplay overs. Akmal will be keen to get back to form and produce a notable score for the side.

Left-handed batsman Umar Amin was standout performer in the batting department for Peshawar Zalmi. He produced unbeaten 61 runs off 39 balls with the help of ten fours and a six. Amin certainly produced a quality innings on a surface that provided plenty of assistance for the quick bowlers. Peshawar Zalmi will be hoping that Amin can produce consistency with the bat in the next couple of matches in the competition.

Kieron Pollard, Misbah-ul-Haq and Liam Dawson are all experienced players that will need to contribute to the team’s cause. Misbah might come into this game as Wayne Madsen might be dropped from the side.

Captain Darren Sammy is designated finisher for the side at the back end of the innings. He certainly can decimate any bowling lineup when on-song with the bat.

In the bowling department, the pace duo of Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz did most of the damage with the new-ball and picked up seven wickets between them. Hasan ran through Lahore’s top-order to finish with four wickets in the game. Left-arm orthodox spinner also chipped in with two wickets and conceded only 11 runs from his four-over spell.

Peshawar Zalmi Predicted Playing XI:

Darren Sammy (c), Kamran Akmal (wk), Umar Amin, Sohaib Maqsood, Misbah-ul-Haq/Wayne Madsen, Kieron Pollard, Liam Dawson, Ibtisam Sheikh, Umaid Asif, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali.

Peshawar Zalmi Actual Playing XI:

Umaid Asif, Hasan Ali, Wayne Madsen, Umar Amin, Imam-ul-Haq, Liam Dawson, Wahab Riaz, Kieron Pollard, DJG Sammy, Ibtisam Sheikh, Kamran Akmal

Weather Conditions

The surface will not be placid as the one prepared in Dubai. The spinners will certainly enjoy the conditions in Sharjah. The weather forecast for the game on Thursday is going to be clear skies.

Venue

Sharjah Cricket Stadium has hosted a lot of PSL games in the past. It is generally a venue that favors spin bowlers. The batsmen will need to grind out runs on this pitch.

Toss: To Bat

The side that wins the toss would be looking to bat first and post a decent score on the board. It won’t be easy batting last on this surface.