PSL 2019: Match 1, Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars: Fantain Fantasy Cricket Tips

Pakistan’s annual T20 extravaganza kicks off on February 14^th with an action-packed schedule that features 34-match to be played across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Karachi and Lahore. The tournament commences at Dubai with Islamabad United playing Lahore Qalandars. Remember, Islamabad won the title last year and they’ll be more than just eager to come out charging in their title-defence.

Team news–Islamabad United

With Misbah-ul-Haq hanging up his boots and Mohammed Sami taking over, the transition is complete for Islamabad. With a power-packed squad, Islamabad will continue to carry the ‘favourites’ tag this year as well.

Luke Ronchi was the player of the tournament last year and he returns to Islamabad for yet another stint. This side boasts of a formidable spin-duo in the form of Shadab Khan and Samit Patel. Also, Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf will bring all their international experience to the campaign as well.

Likely Playing XI – Islamabad United

Ronchi(WK), Farhan, Talat, Delport, Samit, Asif Ali, Shadab, Faheem, Parnell, Sami(C), Maqsood OR Raees.

Team News –Lahore Qalandars

In 2018, the Qalandars didn’t quite live up to their name. They wound up at the bottom of the heap and bowed out in rather embarrassing fashion.

This time, however, they appear set to make amends. Their rebuilding process has started well in advance and this is visible with their new recruits. The mighty AB de Villiers has been roped in to turn their fortunes around and his jersey will be selling on the streets of Lahore like hot cake.

Also, note that Mohammed Hafeez will lead the squad this year and the team has experienced internationals in the form of FakharZaman and ShaheenAfridi in their ranks.

Likely Playing XI – Lahore Qalandars

Zaman, Devcich, ABD, Hafeez(C), Salman, Ali OR Masood (WK), Wiese, Yasir Shah, Rahat, Viljoen and Shaheen Afridi.

Hot Picks

Luke Ronchi: The New Zealander was the darling of PSL in 2018 and didn’t put a foot wrong last year. You could start by picking him and then see how he shapes up through the course of the tournament

AB de Villiers: this man needs no introduction whatsoever. De Villiers scored a ton in the recently concluded BPL and appears in relatively good touch as well. So if it’s a Lahore game and there’s no news of de Villiers not playing, you simply ought to pick him in your Fantain XI

FakharZaman: this left-hander can get his side off to an explosive start and if he were to do that, the opposition ends up playing catch up almost every single time

Faheem Ashraf: the Pakistani topped the PSL bowling charts last season and add his batting-abilities to the mix and you’ve got an all-rounder that’s always a great pick

ShaheenAfridi: the left-arm pacer’s efforts for the Multan Sultans last year proved to be a watershed moment for him. With international experience under his kitty now, Afridi is a completely different bowler.

Fantain Fantasy XI:

This is our Fantain Fantasy XI but you’re the real expert.

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