PSL 2018: Misbah-ul-Haq in doubt for Qualifier against Karachi Kings

The third season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is currently underway and has been a witness to some awe-inspiring clashes among the six participating teams. After the conclusion of the league stage, the tournament is into the playoffs where four teams will compete to clinch the championship. Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta have qualified, leaving behind Multan and Lahore.

Islamabad United have been the most consistent team in the tournament, having won seven out of their ten games. Misbah-ul-Haq, their skipper has captained the side with authority thus far as United finished the league on the top of the ladder. However, the franchise might encounter a major blow ahead of their game against Karachi Kings in Dubai.

The hand injury for Misbah

The United skipper has encountered a hairline fracture in the side of his hand, near the wrist and might miss today’s Qualifier 1 against the Karachi Kings in Dubai. The Mianwali-born cricketer spent the entire night in hospital on Saturday where the doctors assessed the gravity of the injury. However, Misbah has shown eagerness to play in the game with injections.

South African JP Duminy is likely to lead the side provided Misbah is ruled out. The former Pakistani cricketer has previously missed the first couple of games of the season. However, Rumman Raees, the left-arm pacer, captained the team in his absence. Nevertheless, the bowler was later ruled out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, apart from leading the team, Misbah hasn’t had much to do for the United.

He has played eight games thus far and batted in four innings where he has managed 57 runs at an average of 19 with a top-score of 22 runs against Sarfraz Ahmed’s Quetta Gladiators. Misbah is a seasoned campaigner and his experience has worked wonders for the United in the tournament. The franchise would be hoping for him to recover in time before today’s game.

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