PSL 2020, Match 9, Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Islamabad United are currently at the top of the points table after amassing four points in three matches.

Published - 26 Feb 2020, 18:12 IST | Updated - 26 Feb 2020, 18:12 IST

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Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators are slated to lock horns in the ninth match of the Pakistan Super League 2020 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter as the clash is going to be between two table toppers. Islamabad United are currently at the top of the points table after amassing four points in three matches. Quetta Gladiators have also amassed four points in the same number of matches but are poised second in the points table due to inferior net run-rate.

In their previous match against Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United registered a thrilling 1-wicket victory on the penultimate ball by hunting down a competitive total of 182 runs. Shadab Khan laid the foundation for United’s victory after smashing a quick-fire half-century.

Shadab was well assisted by Colin Ingram’s explosive 30 run-knock off just 14 deliveries. Shadad Khan had a great outing with the ball too as he scalped two wickets for his side. Banking on the skipper’s form, United will be eager to carry on their winning momentum.

Similarly, Quetta Gladiators will be eager to register a win to climb to the top of the points table. Gladiators cruised to a comfortable five-wicket victory in their previous match against Karachi Kings as they chased down a total of 156 runs with six deliveries to spare. Player of the Match Azam Khan hit a brilliant 46-run knock and skipper Sarfaraz Khan also joined him by smashing 37* to propel Gladiators to the victory.

Pitch and Conditions

There are slim chances of showers but it won’t affect the match much. The wind will be blowing at a rate of 9 to 13 km/hr whereas the temperature will hover between 13 and 26 Degree Celsius throughout the day according to Accuweather. It is expected to be overcast conditions on the match day. The track at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is expected to aid the batsmen. The side batting first will have an edge as far as the stats of this ground are concerned.

Team Combination

Islamabad United

A robust batting depth is probably the biggest strength of Islamabad United. Openers Luke Ronchi and Colin Munro will be aiming to propel their side to a flying start. Considering the recent form of skipper Shadab Khan, he is also expected to play a vital role for United this season.

To conceal the flaws of an inconsistent middle-order, United’s team management may incorporate Philip Salt into the squad. Their bowling force will be steered by the trio of Muhammad Musa, Faheem Ashraf and Amad Butt. The three bowlers have scalped five wickets each so far in the tournament.

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

Quetta Gladiators

Quetta Gladiators are also equipped with many match-winners in their squad. The experienced opening duo of Jason Roy and Shane Watson will aim to steer Gladiators to a flying start whereas Ahmed Shehzad, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Azam Khan will bolster their middle-order.

Mohammad Hasnain has been the bowling spearhead for his team and has scalped seven wickets in three matches. Sohail Khan (3 wickets) and Tymal Mills (3 wickets) will be accompanying Hasnain from the other end.

Probable XI: Shane Watson, Jason Roy, Ahmed Shehzad, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Azam Khan, Anwar Ali, Ben Cutting /Tymal Mills, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Sohail Khan/Naseem Shah, Fawad Ahmed