PSL 2020, Match 13, Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi, Preview – Darren Sammy and Co aim to climb up the points table

Islamabad United is currently on third position in PSL 2020 points table.

Published - 28 Feb 2020, 19:11 IST | Updated - 28 Feb 2020, 19:11 IST

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Peshawar Zalmi is finding it difficult to give a tough fight to other teams in PSL 2020 due to the woeful performances of their batsmen, who has failed to perform with consistency. Tom Banton nightmare continues as he has struggled in displaying his sublime hitting in the subcontinent.

On the other hand, Shoaib Malik also looks pale as far his recent performances are concerned. The performance of these two players is a big headache for Zalmi, who might look for another option in the upcoming match.

Islamabad United’s winning streak came to a halt in the game against defending champions Quetta Gladiators as they lost the match by five wickets. It was just a bad day for the former PSL champions, who will look to get back on the winning track in the next clash against Peshawar Zalmi. They have a few talented individuals, who can easily help their side in winning games from any stiff situation.

Team Combination

Peshawar Zalmi

Zalmi’s suffered in their previous encounter due to the poor performance of their batsmen, who might make way for some other players in the next match. Banton has scored 20 runs in his three outings and he might be the first one to get axed from the team.

The team management might pick Imam ul Haq for the game against Islamabad United. He even holds a vast experience of international cricket that will certainly play an important role. Meanwhile, Umar Amin might get a game as a replacement for out of form Shoaib Malik. Liam Livingstone will continue to play in the middle order for Peshawar Zalmi.

On the other hand, there is no need to of changes in their bowling line up that looks pretty on the mark, who have given decent performances in the previous games. Wahab Riaz and Hasan Ali will lead the bowling attack. Rahat Ali will be used as the third pacer in the team. And, their biggest positive is the presence of Daren Sammy in the lower order, who can smack the ball for boundaries and sixes very effortlessly.

Playing XI: Kamran Akmal (wk), Tom Banton/Imam ul Haq, Liam Livingstone, Shoaib Malik, Haider Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan/Umar Amin, Liam Dawson, Darren Sammy (C), Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz

Islamabad United

Islamabad United have Luke Ronchi and Colin Munro, who have done an appreciable job as openers in PSL 2020. Meanwhile, Dawid Malan is also scoring bucketloads of runs from the middle. The trio has managed to put a formidable batting display and it has been the biggest positive for United.

In the middle-order, Shadab Khan and Colin Ingram have also started playing in brilliantly with the bat. Meanwhile, in bowling, they have the services of Amad Butt, Muhammad Musa and Rumman Raees that forms a strong fast-bowling trio. And, it is very difficult for any batsmen to muscle run on a high strike rate against them.

Faheem Ashraf is another bowling option, who will play an important role as a utility all-rounder. Islamabad United looks perfect from top to bottom. But the place where they lack is the absence of an experienced spinner to partner Shadab Khan from the other end. If United managed to find a solution for the same then they will be quite a difficult side to beat.

Playing XI: Luke Ronchi (WK), Colin Munro, Dawid Malan, Colin Ingram, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan (c), Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ruman Raees, Muhammad Musa, Amad Butt.

Focus will be on

Kamran Akmal (Peshawar Zalmi)

Kamran Akmal is currently the leading run-scorer in PSL 2020 with 159 runs in three innings. He has also mustered a brilliant ton that guided his team to a victory against Karachi Kings. His performance with the bat against Islamabad United will be crucial for his team. If he successfully replicated his form in the next game, then chances of Peshawar Zalmi winning the game will be quite high.

Luke Ronchi (Islamabad United)

Luke Ronchi has already scored two fifties for Islamabad United in PSL 2020. He will look to continue with his scintillating form against Peshawar Zalmi. He is in red hot form with his bat smoking runs at a strike rate of 165.15. There is no doubt over the fact that if managed to click a good knock with the bat then Islamabad United will certainly grab two important points that will take them to the top position in the points table.