PSL 9 Match 1 | Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United | Preview, prediction and likely playing XIs

• Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United will ock horns today.
• The match will begin at 08:00 pm at Gaddafi Stadium.
• United is likely to win since they have covered all bases adequately.

Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United are gearing up for their first clash in the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Gaddafi Stadium today (Saturday).

Islamabad has claimed the championship twice, in 2016 and 2018, while Lahore, the current champions, are aiming for their third consecutive title after their triumphant performances in 2022 and 2023. Both teams are eager to kick off the new PSL season on a high note. Given the array of talented players in both teams, a thrilling face-off is anticipated between these two league giants.

In their 17 encounters so far, Islamabad has a slight advantage with 9 victories. However, Lahore has been the dominant force since 2021, winning all five matches against them.

Lahore’s main hurdle will be playing without their most potent T20 bowler, Rashid Khan, who had to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury. Nonetheless, young Syed Faridoun is expected to step in for the proficient Afghani spinner.

Conversely, Islamabad will be missing the services of powerful batter Asif Ali, who was not retained by the franchise and has moved to Peshawar Zalmi during the PSL 9 Draft. However, they have suitable replacements for Asif in the form of Haider Ali and former Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim, who will be playing further down the order.

Pitch report

Stadium Gaddafi The surface of Lahore has shown to be a batter’s paradise. The scoreline has exceeded 200 twice and 190 once. In the past, Lahore’s pitch has favored hitters while providing some support to bowlers in the early overs when facing fresh balls. Another high-scoring match is anticipated because there are no rain clouds in the sky.

Probable Playing XIs

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

Prediction

Islamabad United to win since they have covered all bases adequately as compared to Lahore Qalandars.

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