Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United Prediction: Islamabad have better record in head to head games

Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United are going head to head in the 1st Match of Pakistan Super League at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Cantt, Pakistan on 17 Feb 2024. Islamabad have better record in head to head games against Lahore. Who will win this game of cricket?

The Lahore Qalandars were impressive in the previous season, finishing at the top of the points table during the group stage and securing the title for the second consecutive time. As they embark on a new season, the team is aiming for a strong start. Known for their strong seam attack, the Lahore Qalandars will rely on players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and Mohammad Irfan to deliver results. With spin bowler Rashid Khan unavailable, the team will heavily depend on all-rounder Sikandar Raza for spin bowling. The absence of players like Shai Hope and Rassie van der Dussen has made the batting lineup appear weak, putting pressure on Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique to deliver. Additionally, the middle order lacks quality international talent, highlighting an area of weakness for the team.

Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen, Dan Lawrence, Kamran Ghulam, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Syed Faridoun.

Islamabad United is one of the most successful teams in the PSL, having won the trophy twice. They have consistently reached the playoffs in the last three seasons and are aiming to do the same this year. The team has a balanced combination of both local and international talent, with T20 specialists like Jordan Cox, Alex Hales, and Colin Munro contributing to the batting line-up along with Azam Khan and Agha Salman. All-rounders such as Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Tom Curran bring experience and skill to the team in the shortest format. The bowling attack will be led by Naseem Shah, supported by Tymal Mills, Rumman Raees, and Matthew Forde. However, like other teams, Islamabad United will also rely on their all-rounders to perform well in the spin department.

Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan, Salman Agha, Azam Khan, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Tymal Mills, Obed McCoy.

The team that wins the toss is expected to choose to bat first. The pitch at Lahore is favorable for batting in the first half, offering good bounce and pace for the batsmen to play their shots. Fast bowlers will need to maintain accuracy. Typically, the average first-inning score is around 185. The pitch tends to slow down in the second half, benefiting the spinners.

As the final playing eleven has not been announced yet, predicting the outcome of the match is challenging. Based on the squads, Islamabad United is believed to have an advantage in this contest. With some key international players missing from the Qalandars team, they may face difficulties. Therefore, it is recommended to bet on Islamabad United for the win.