Islamabad United vs. Peshawar Zalmi: Can Peshawar Continue its Winning Streak?

Since the start of this year’s HBL PSL 7, Islamabad United has played with some intent to become the 3rd time champions. With their last close encounter against Karachi Kings, they would be feeling very confident about their approach going into the match against Peshawar Zalmi, which has won 2 games back to back. Considering the pitch conditions and overall gameplay of Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi, it is expected to be a nail-biter contest, with Zalmi itching to make it at the 3rd spot in the points table. Wahab Riaz and Zalmi boys were criticized throughout the season, but now they are really showing the character and game spirit.

With unexpected injuries rattling up Islamabad’s dressing room, Zalmi would be looking to seize the opportunity and dominate Islamabad. Though Islamabad would be led by Asif Ali, who seems a decent captain, United would miss the likes of Shadab Khan and Zeeshan Zameer. In their last game against Karachi, Asif Ali bowled amazingly well, rattling Mohammad Nabi and other players of Karachi within no time. Alex Hales is also out of the league due to personal reasons, leaving behind an under-pressure dugout for Islamabad.

• Asif Ali;
• Faheem Ashraf;
• Hassan Ali;
• Azam Khan;
• Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Be it any season of the PSL; you can not keep Zalmi boys out of the tournament. With the tournament entering its most crucial stages, Zalmi has regained their winning form and have started to play quality cricket. With Wahab Riaz and Zalmi bowlers, taking responsibility for the ball has created an impact on strong oppositions like Quetta. In their last game against Quetta, M. Haris started the innings very well, supported by Shohaib Malik and Benn Cutting towards the end. With the likes of Hazratullah Zazai, Haider Ali, M. Haris, Shohaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Benn Cutting, M. Irshad, Usman Qadir, and Saqib Mahmood in the lineup, Zalmi would be up for the challenge against Islamabad United. Before the start of this PSL, Islamabad United’s bowling seemed very strong and motivated, but now it can be easily taken to the cleaners by the quality batting lineup of Zalmi.

• M. Haris;
• Hazratullah Zazai;
• Shohaib Malik;
• Benn Cutting;
• Usman Qadir.

With Islamabad missing out on their captain and Alex Hales, they are likely to struggle against a well-gelled Zalmi lineup. With Hussain Talat and Malik in form, Zalmi is looking strong on paper and is likely to win the upcoming game against Islamabad United.