Islamabad United vs. Peshawar Zalmi: Can Peshawar Zalmi Make it to the Next Stage?

With Pakistan Super League’s playoffs starting from 23rd march, the top 4 qualifying teams are looking to equip themselves with the best possible resources in the upcoming matches. With Zalmi in top form, they would be looking to dominate Islamabad United in the Eliminator-1. Both teams have won the PSL title back in history, and this time around, the stage is set for both teams to calm their nerves and look forward to winning. Both teams have played each other 17 times since the start of the HBL PSL, among which 9 games are won by Zalmi and 8 by Islamabad United. With the news circulating that Shadab Khan is fit and practicing again, this might be a light at the end of the tunnel for Islamabad fans who eagerly waited for Shadab’s return.

Somehow Islamabad has made it to the eliminator stages, though their recent form and match performances do not justify their qualification. Going in the eliminator, Islamabad has lost 3 consecutive games, and that too against Lahore, Multan, and Zalmi. Islamabad has surely missed their regular skipper, Shadab Khan, who is likely to make a comeback in the match against Peshawar Zalmi. In the last game played between Islamabad and Peshawar, Peshawar made it to the finishing line, courtesy of some experienced bowling from Wahab Riaz and M. Irshad. Islamabad United is certainly missing the trick and not playing according to their strengths. Their coach Azhar Mehmood would have grievances and concerns regarding the current form of Islamabad Untied, who once entered the tournament as the favorites.

• Shadab Khan;
• Asif Ali;
• Faheem Ashraf;
• Azam Khan;
• Hassan Ali.

With Wahab Riaz finding his form back in the tournament, Zalmi is prepared for taking on Islamabad Untied, whom they defeated six days back. With the likes of M. Haris and Shoaib Malik in the top order, Zalmi stands an ideal chance of defeating Islamabad United. Peshawar is likely to go with Hazratullah Zazai and M. Haris in the opening slot, with Kamran Akmal playing one down and then Haider Ali. In the bowling department, Wahab Riaz would be leading the attack, and Usman Qadir will be available to attack with his googlies and stock balls. Peshawar Zalmi has a strong side in comparison to Islamabad for the upcoming fixture.

• Wahab Riaz;
• M. Haris;
• Shoaib Malik;
• Usman Qadir;
• Kamran Akmal.

Peshawar has won 4 straight games in the second leg of HBL PSL 7, and on the other hand, Islamabad has lost 3 consecutive games coming in the eliminator stages. Undoubtedly the momentum is in Zalmi’s favor, and they won’t give it away at any cost.