PSL 2019, Match 1: Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The fourth edition of the cash-rich Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to get underway tomorrow. The opening match would be played between defending champions Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams had contrasting seasons last time around in 2018. In fact, the United won both their matches against the United, one game ending in a tie.

This time, the Fawad Rana-owned Qalandars drafted in quite a few massive names and also replaced Brendon McCullum with Mohammad Hafeez as their captain. The United would be captained by the very experienced Mohammad Sami, who replaced Misbah-ul-Haq, who has moved to the Peshawar Zalmi. All in all, a cracker of an encounter can be expected in the tournament’s first day in Dubai.

Match Details:

The 1st match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 will be played between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The match starts at 9:45 PM local time (5:45 PM GMT) (11:15 PM IST).

The game will be live on D Sports in India.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch has produced some high scores over the years. However, teams batting second has had the advantage of late on this track.

Average first innings score: 154 (Last 4 T20 matches)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 3

Probable XI:

Islamabad United:

Luke Ronchi (WK), Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Cameron Delport, Asif Ali, Samit Patel, Wayne Parnell, Faheem Ashraf, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Sami (C).

Bench – Philip Salt, Zafar Gohar, Waqas Maqsood, Ian Bell, Nasir Nawaz, Zahir Khan, Amad Butt, Rizwan Hussain, Muhammad Musa.

Lahore Qalandars:

Fakhar Zaman, Anton Devcich, AB de Villiers, Mohammad Hafeez (C), Haris Sohail, Gauhar Ali (WK), David Wiese/Brendan Taylor, Yasir Shah, Hardus Viljoen, Shaheen Afridi, Aizaz Cheema/Rahat Ali.

Bench – Agha Salman, Carlos Brathwaite, Sohail Akhtar, Umair Masood, Hassan Khan, Mohammad Imran, Saad Ali, Haris Rauf, Corey Anderson, Sandeep Lamichhane.

 *Lahore could pick inform Brendan Taylor in place of David Wiese as a specialist keeper if Hafeez and Devcich could cover-up for the 5th bowling option.

Team News:

Corey Anderson and Sandeep Lamichhane will join next week which means the cover players Hardus Viljoen and David Wiese will be available.

Power Picks:

AB de Villiers’ last seven T20s:

340 runs, 1 100s, 1 50s, 85 Avg, 170.85 S/R

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain options – Fakhar Zaman, AB de Villiers, Mohammad Hafeez

Vice-Captain Options – Cameron Delport, Shadab Khan, Hardus Viljoen

Alternatives – Luke Ronchi, Brendan Taylor, Hussain Talat

Playing XI #1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Luke Ronchi

Batters – Sahibzada Farhan, Cameron Delport, Fakhar Zaman (C), AB de Villiers (VC)

All-Rounders – Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan

Bowlers – Rumman Raees, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hardus Viljoen, Aizaz Cheema

Playing XI #2 for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Gauhar Ali

Batters – Sahibzada Farhan, Cameron Delport, Fakhar Zaman, AB de Villiers (C)

All-Rounders – Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Hafeez (VC)

Bowlers – Rumman Raees, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hardus Viljoen

Expert Advice:

Luke Ronchi last played the T10 league where he was quite average with the bat. Risk can be taken by ignoring him as he costs 9.5 credits.

 Probable Winners:

The Qalandars are likely to start their campaign on a grand note.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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