Pakistan Super League 2019, Match 1: Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars will go head to head in the opening fixture of the 2019 Pakistan Super League on Thursday. The fourth edition of the tournament will feature six teams and some world-class players from around the globe. The final will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on March 17, 2019.
Islamabad United
Islamabad United are the defending champions and the most successful team in PSL so far. Islamabad also won the inaugural edition of the tournament. After Misbah's departure, Mohammad Sami has been named the captain, and he has a good squad at his disposal.
Luke Ronchi will once again be the key player at the top. He was phenomenal in PSL 2018 with 435 runs at a strike-rate of 182. Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, and Rumman Raees are expected to play a key role.
Expected Playing XI:
Luke Ronchi, Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Cameron Delport, Samit Patel, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Wayne Parnell, Mohammad Sami (C), and Rumman Raees.
Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars are one of the favourites to win the league this season. However, they have never qualified for the playoffs, and also have the worst win percentage among all teams. Lahore Qalandars will be led by Mohammad Hafeez in PSL 2019. The presence of AB de Villiers will be a huge advantage for Lahore.
Fakhar Zaman is definitely their important player at the top. Yasir Shah will lead the spin department while Rahat Ali has to do well with the new ball. Carlos Brathwaite will be key with both the bat and ball. Sandeep Lamichhane is not available for this fixture because of BBL commitments.
Expected Playing XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Anton Devcich, AB de Villiers, Hafeez(C), Salman, Ali, Carlos Brathwaite, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Hardus Viljoen, and Shaheen Afridi.
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