PSL 2021: Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Match Prediction – Who will win today’s Qualifier?

Preview

Islamabad United is set to go into the 2021 Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs on the back of five wins on the trot. The team, led by Shadab Khan, won eight games in the first round and must be brimming with confidence.

In their previous game, they beat the Multan Sultans by four wickets. In the Qualifier on Monday, June 21, the two teams will again be locking horns. In the first round, the United got the better of the Sultans both times.

The Sultans would be going into the next round after five wins from 10 games. A couple of big wins meant that they got through on the basis of a superior net run rate.

Match Details

Match – Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans– Qualifier

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 06:30 PM IST, 01:00 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Avg first innings score: 169 (16 matches in PSL 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 6, Lost – 10, Tied – 0

Pitch Report

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has been fairly decent for batting. The scores have been on the higher side in most instances. However, the spinners have also extracted quite a fair bit from the surface. Shot-making hasn’t been all that tough. Both teams have a power-packed bowling unit and may want to bat first after winning the toss in the high-voltage game.

Playing combination for ISL vs MUL

Islamabad United

The United made five changes for the last game as they were set to finish as the table-toppers irrespective of the result of the game. Colin Munro, Usman Khawaja, and Hasan Ali didn’t play the previous match and got some much-needed rest. The trio is most likely to stage a comeback.

It will be interesting to see if the United persists with Mohammad Wasim Jr, who earned the Player of the Match last time around with a four-wicket haul. Asif Ali and Iftikhar Ahmed have shown their utility. The onus will also be on Shadab Khan, who hasn’t quite been at his very best in the event.

Predicted XI

Usman Khawaja (C), Colin Munro, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Brandon King, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Fawad Ahmed, Akif Javed

Bench: Ali Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Rohail Nazir, Muhammad Musa, Faheem Ashraf, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Zeeshan Zameer, Umar Amin, Zafar Gohar

Multan Sultans

The Sultans also rested fast bowler Imran Khan and Imran Tahir, two of their standout bowlers, for the second leg. It means that Hammad Azam and Usman Qadir might again have to go back to the benches. Shan Masood failed once, but two fifties in the last three games should do good to him.

Mohammad Rizwan has performed well along with some power-hitting from Sohaib Maqsood. Shahnawaz Dhani has grown leaps and bounds after picking 20 wickets from only nine matches. Blessing Muzarabani has five wickets to his name and hasn’t flattered to deceive by any means.

Predicted XI

Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (C and WK), Sohaib Maqsood, Johnson Charles, Rilee Rossouw, Khushdil Shah, Sohail Tanvir, Blessing Muzarabani, Shahnawaz Dhani, Imran Khan, Imran Tahir

Bench: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sohail Khan, Hammad Azam, Usman Qadir, Obed McCoy, Sohaibullah, Waseem Muhammad, Mohammad Umar

ISL vs MUL Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 8 | Islamabad United– 3 | Multan Sultans – 5 | N/R – 0

Probable best batsman of the match

Colin Munro — Islamabad United

Colin Munro has arguably been the standout batter for the United. In five matches, he has scored 241 runs at an average and strike rate of 80.33 and 174.63. More often than not, he has been able to take his team to greater heights. In the previous match, he got to rest and must be afresh to weave magic. The United will be looking for another knock of substance from him.

Probable best bowler of the match

Shahnawaz Dhani— Multan Sultans

Shahnawaz Dhani has been stupendous for the Sultans in the tournament. In nine matches, the fast bowler has picked up 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8.19. He has gotten two four-wicket hauls and has been a primary reason behind his team’s dominance thus far in the event. The United need to blend caution with aggression while facing the young speedster.

Today’s match prediction: The team, batting first to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.