PSL 2019, Match 1, Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Who will take the early honours in the opening game of a brand new edition?

Published - 13 Feb 2019, 19:11 IST | Updated - 13 Feb 2019, 19:11 IST

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Another Pakistan Super League (PSL) season is all geared up to enthral and excite all of us. The tournament will start with the match between the defending champions Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. A lot has changed for both these teams from the previous edition of the league. Many of the older players switched teams and there are some new faces in the squads.

More than last year, these two teams appear to be much more balanced on paper this time around. Making early inroads will be the key in such a tournament. Thus, the sides will want to leave no stone unturned and give it their everything in the opening match of the season.

Pitch and Conditions

The track at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a decent one to bat on. One could expect mediocre scores here at this venue. The spinners will get some purchase and the ball might not hold up much with the track being a fresh one. The temperature is quite pleasant and it is predicted to cool down as the evening progresses.

Team Combinations

Islamabad United

Luke Ronchi will open the innings with Cameron Delport for the United. Only one player can be picked between Sahibzada Farhan and Hussain Talat. The former could be given the first preference. Asif Ali will bat at four and is expected to play some aggressive cricket. It is another tough choice picking one between Philip Salt and Samit Patel.

But since he offers a lot more with the bat, Salt could be picked. The team will not miss Patel in the bowling department either because they’ve got the likes of Shadab, Faheem, Parnell in the all-rounder’s department. Amad Butt might be picked along with Rumman Raees and skipper Mohammad Sami.

Predicted XI: Luke Ronchi (wk), Cameron Delport, Sahibzada Farhan/Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Philip Salt, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Wayne Parnell, Amad Butt, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Sami (c).

Lahore Qalandars

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman will open the innings with Anton Devcich for the Qalandars. Both these players have had issues with their form and consistency of late. The management will hope for them to catch up soon. AB de Villiers is the biggest strength of the batting order as he can change the complexion of the game within no time. Skipper Mohammad Hafeez and Harris Sohail will be the other two men in the middle order.

Since Corey Anderson and Sandeep Lamichhane are not available, David Wiese and Hardus Viljoen might be picked. Carlos Brathwaite will have to miss out this game as Wiese is a better option with the ball. Gauhar Ali might keep wickets while Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Aizaz Cheema will complete the bowling attack.

Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Anton Devich, AB de Villiers, Mohammad Hafeez (c), Haris Sohail, David Wiese, Gauhar Ali (wk), Hardus Viljoen, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Aizaz Cheema.