PSL 2020, Match 2, Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi, Preview - Kings aim to end their losing streak against Zalmi

Karachi Kings will play their curtain-raiser against Peshawar Zalmi on 21st of February. In the previous season, they successfully managed to reach the playoffs but ended up losing a crucial game. However, in this edition, they will have be eyeing to lift their maiden PSL title. They have made some interesting recruitments that can potentially help them all their way to glory.

Alex Hales as an opener and Sharjeel Khan’s comeback has certainly given a much-needed depth to the Kings’ line-up. And, presence of Imad Wasim and Babar Azam is a cherry on the cake for their side. On the other hand, their bowling unit looks balanced in the presence of Mohammad Amir and Chris Jordan.

Peshawar Zalmi had a great stint in 2019 PSL season but they fell agonisingly short of their second title as they lost in the final. Nevertheless, in this edition, they might manage to lay their hands on the trophy with a balanced side. This year they have Tom Banton, the exciting T20I opener, who has the ability to turn the game on its head on the back of his mesmerising shots.

Peshawar Zalmi also picked Liam Dawson and Liam Livingstone to bolster their line-up going into the 5th season of PSL. Meanwhile, there is no question over their batting unit that is a mix up of young and experienced players with the likes of Kamran Akmal, Imam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik.

Playing Combination

Karachi Kings

Alex Hales was in red-hot form with the bat in the recently concluded BBL season. He did an impressive job for Sydney Thunder and ended as the 2nd leading scorer in the tournament with 576 runs. The right-handed player will surely open the innings with Awais Zia, who has also done well in the recent past at the top of the order.

Babar Azam, Chadwick Walton and Iftikhar Ahmed make the middle order of Kings look quite strong going into their season opener. Meanwhile, their fast bowling attack will be led by the experienced Mohammad Amir and Chris Jordan. Umer Khan will be a surprise package, who is one of the promising spinners from Pakistan.

Probable XI: Awais Zia, Alex Hales, Babar Azam, Cameron Delport/Chadwick Walton, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Imad Wasim (C), Chris Jordan, Mohammad Amir, Umer Khan, Ali Khan

Peshawar Zalmi

In PSL 2019, Kamran Akmal did exceedingly well for Peshawar Zalmi and muscled 357 runs in his 12 games. He will open the innings for his team in the curtain-raiser alongside Tom Banton, who is looked down as England’s future star. And he has certainly proved his mettle with his demolishing hitting. Liam Livingstone, the right-handed batsman from England is in the form of his life.

He has certainly emerged as one of the T20 specialists, who can single-handedly win the games for his side. He did the same for Perth Scorchers in BBL 2019-20 as he went on to score 425 runs 14 games at a strike rate of 142.61. Umar Amin, Shoaib Malik, and Carlos Brathwaite will look to fire run from the middle-order. On the other hand, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, and Wahab Riaz will form the pace attack for Peshawar Zalmi.

Probable XI: Kamran Akmal (wk), Tom Banton, Liam Livingstone, Umar Amin, Shoaib Malik, Carlos Brathwaite, Adil Amin/Amir Khan, Darren Sammy (C), Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz.

Focus will be on

Tom Banton (Peshawar Zalmi)

Tom Banton is one of the hard-hitting openers across the globe. At the age of 21 years, he has earned a reputation of a match-winner. Earlier this year, he played for Brisbane Heat in BBL 2019-20 where he mustered 223 runs in seven innings with three fifties at a strike rate of 176.98. The spotlight will be on him in the PSL and he will be keen on making the most of his form.

Alex Hales (Karachi Kings)

Alex Hales, the right-handed opener from England is not leaving any stone unturned for his comeback in his national team. He is doing everything that it takes to get hands on the Three Lions jersey. He is in red hot form with the bat that can be easily assessed with his stats. Hales played for Sydney Thunder in BBL 2019-20 where he managed to score 576 runs in 14 games with six fifties. Now, he would be fully geared up to mesmerise his fans with his batting in the 5th edition of PSL.

Head to Head

Matches played – 10 | KAR won– 2 | PES won – 8 | Draw – 0

Stat Attack

189– Babar Azam has gathered 189 runs in his last 5 T20Is with three amazing fifties.

425 – Liam Livingstone has scored 425 runs in 14 BBL games which includes four fifties.

Broadcast Details

TV – DSport

Live Streaming – Cricketgateway.com

Match Timings – 3:30 pm IST and 10:00 am GMT