PSL 2020, Match 5, Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans, Preview – Shadab Khan and Co aiming to retaliate after losing their opening game

Islamabad United suffered defeat in their curtain raiser against Quetta Gladiators.

Published - 21 Feb 2020, 19:58 IST | Updated - 21 Feb 2020, 19:58 IST

2 Min Read

Islamabad United didn’t get off to an expected start as they suffered defeat in their campaign opener against defending champions Quetta Gladiators. Their batsmen except Dawid Malan failed to compile runs with the bat.

Malan mustered 64 runs off 40 balls that helped his team in posting a competitive total. After a poor show of the batters, Islamabad United bowlers’ also complimented well with their poor bowling. Only Muhammad Musa managed to pave difficulties in front of the batsmen. He grabbed a three-fer in an amazing effort that went in vain. It is expected that they will learn from their mistakes and will not commit the same in the upcoming clash against Multan Sultans.

Multan Sultans have some big T20 match winners instead of having star players. They have the services of Ravi Bopara and Moeen Ali, who have earned a reputation of brilliant all-rounders across the globe. The duo has done extremely well in the recent past with bat and ball. Rilee Rossouw in the top order provides a much-needed strength to their batting line-up.

He was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded BPL 2019- 20 in which the former South African mustered 495 runs in 14 games with four fifties. It all makes them a perfect team going into the fifth edition of PSL. In this edition, they can be hopeful of some better outcomes in comparison to the previous seasons of the T20 tournament.

Playing Combination

Multan Sultans

It is expected that Shan Masood and James Vince are expected to open the innings for Multan Sultans. Masood did the same for the same team in the previous season and mustered 112 runs in four games. In the middle order, the team management might look to utilise the experience of Rilee Rossouw, Moeen Ali and Ravi Bopara, who can play on high strike rates whenever they feel the need during the games. Rossouw also scored 495 runs in 14 BPL games for Khulna Tigers.

He will be expected to deliver the same performances in PSL 2020. There will be a tough choice in front of the skipper to pick one between Khushdil Shah and Shahid Afridi. But, it looks like the former Pakistani all-rounder will get an edge due to his experience.

Rohail Nazeer will take the gloves for Multan Sultans. In bowling, they are expected to play with three pacers with the likes of Junaid Khan, Mohammad Ilyas and Sohail Tanvir. Meanwhile, the spin department will be held by none other than Imran Tahir, who is one of the best spinners across the globe in the shorter format.

Probable XI: Shan Masood (C), James Vince, Rilee Rossouw, Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shahid Afridi/Khushdil Shah, Sohail Tanvir, Imran Tahir, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Ilyas

Islamabad United

Islamabad United lost their curtain-raiser but that doesn’t mean that they will opt for some big changes in their team for the upcoming clash against Multan Sultans. They will stick with the formidable pair of openers that comprises of Colin Munro and Luke Ronchi (coach cum player). Dawid Malan will look to carry his good form in the upcoming clash. He got off the mark with a brilliant knock of 64 runs in his first outing.

Hussain Talat might make a way for Rumman Raees in order to add some firepower in their bowling line up. Shadab Khan gave run with an expensive economy rate of 13.14. However, being a skipper, he is a touted to play in the XI against Multan Sultans. Muhammad Musa did an impressive job in the season opener and he will surely lead the pace attack of his team followed by Akif Javed and Faheem Ashraf.

Probable XI: Luke Ronchi (WK), Colin Munro, Dawid Malan, Colin Ingram, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan (c), Akif Javed, Rumman Raees/Hussain Talat, Muhammad Musa Amad Butt.

The focus will be on

Rilee Rossouw (Multan Sultans)

Rilee Rossouw is in impressive form with the bat. He played at his helm best in the recently concluded season of BPL. He smacked 495 runs in 14 games with the help of four fifties at an average of 45. He would be eager to continue with the same in the fifth season of Pakistan Super League.

Dawid Malan (Islamabad United)

Dawid Malan, who played for Cumilla Warriors in BPL 2019-20 showed his dominance as a batsman with the help of his willow. He amassed 444 runs in 11 innings with three fifties and one amazing ton. He ended his stint at an average of 49.33. Moreover, he showed some glimpse of his form as he muscled 64runs in the season opener for his side.