PSL 2018, Match 8: Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars – Match Predictions

The third edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) has got underway with the teams warmed up after playing a couple of matches. It is all about finding a settled combination for them early on in the tournament but one would expect that they have done the same by now. Dubai International Stadium will host Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars on Monday as both the teams will clash for the first time in the competition. However, latter side is in dire need of a victory and they can’t afford yet another loss.

Lahore have lost both their matches so far while playing against Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators. The way they’ve lost their games has been the worrying prospect for the team management. Karachi Kings, on the other hands, would be a more confident unit after winning their opening encounter against Quetta. Irrespective of what happens against Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday they will have to gear up for their next game in less than 24 hours.

Probable nature of the pitch

This will be the last game in Dubai for some time as the action will shift to Sharjah until March 6. The back-to-back matches at the same venue are not helping as the surfaces are being re-used. Expect a middling total with the pitch getting slower as the match progresses. There was also the threat of rain on Sunday which affected the doubleheader on the day. If it pours on the eve of the match, the conditions will surely spice up for the fast bowlers. Expect the team winning toss to bowl first.

Playing Combination

Karachi Kings

Karachi endured a perfect outing in their first game against Quetta Gladiators and would love to continue in the same vein. Though the local players have to contribute to the team’s cause as it was Colin Ingram who batted well for them. Babar Azam also needs to hit form with the bat and lay the foundation for his team before the likes of Shahid Afridi and Ravi Bopara churn out runs in the death overs.

The bowling attack is also decent for the team with the skipper Imad Wasim leading from the front. The likes of Tymal Mills, Mohammad Amir and Afridi build a strong unit with the ball.

Predicted XI: Shahid Afridi, Ravi Bopara, Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Amir, Joe Denly, Colin Ingram, Tymal Mills, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Imad Wasim (c), Mohammad Irfan Jnr

Lahore Qalandars

The skipper Brendon McCullum was disappointed with his team’s efforts on the field in the last game and would want them to improve significantly. The team management might not want to make a lot of changes after a couple of losses and expect them to field a same eleven which looks extremely strong on paper. The batting has to click which has been collapsing so far. The bowlers would need the support from their fielders this time around if they are to change their fortunes in the tournament.

Predicted XI: Brendon McCullum (c), Umar Akmal (wk), Sunil Narine, Raza Hasan, Yasir Shah, Cameron Delport, Mustafizur Rahman, Aamer Yamin, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Sohail Akhtar

Probable Top Performers

Shahid Afridi (Karachi Kings) | Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)

Head to Head

Matches – 4, Karachi Kings– 3, Lahore Qalandars – 1

Timing of the match: 09:30 pm IST

Broadcast Details

TV – D Sport

The prediction is for Lahore Qalandars to get on board with a victory over Karachi.