PSL 2021: Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

Karachi Kings have entered into a slump in the 2021 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The team, led by Imad Wasim, has slipped down to fifth in the points table and is in urgent need of a win.

The Kings are yet to win a game in the second leg of the tournament at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Their next match is against the Lahore Qalandars in the second of Thursday’s doubleheader.

The Qalandars, on the other hand, have faltered in run-chases in the league. They have also lost their previous two matches. With two matches left, Sohail Akhtar and Co won’t want more hiccups.

Match Details

Match – Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars – 25th match

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 11:30 PM IST, 06:00 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has been fairly good for batting and stroke-making hasn’t been all that tough. However, the pacers and spinners have extracted a lot from the surface as well. In night games, the track has mostly helped the chasing teams. But since Lahore has strained in run-chases, Karachi may opt to bat first. A fairly high-scoring game seems to be in store.

Avg first innings score: 160 (10 matches in PSL 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 5, Lost – 5, Tied – 0

Playing combination for KAR vs LAH

Karachi Kings

Predicted XI

Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam, Martin Guptill, Chadwick Walton (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Imad Wasim (C), Aamer Yamin, Abbas Afridi, Waqas Maqsood, Mohammad Amir, Noor Ahmad

Bench: Thisara Perera, Arshad Iqbal, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Haris, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Abbas, Zeeshan Malik

Lahore Qalandars

Predicted XI

Fakhar Zaman, Sohail Akhtar (C), Zeeshan Ashraf, Mohammad Hafeez, Ben Dunk (wk), Tim David, Rashid Khan, Ahmed Daniyal, James Faulkner, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

Bench: Maaz Khan, Dilbar Hussain, Muhammad Faizan, Sultan Ahmed, Muhammad Zaid Alam, Agha Salman, Seekkuge Prasanna, Callum Ferguson

KAR vs LAH Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 12 | Karachi Kings – 7 | Lahore Qalandars – 5 | N/R – 0

Probable best batsman of the match

Babar Azam — Karachi Kings

Babar Azam has arguably been the standout batter for the Kings and is also the leading run-scorer of the tournament. In eight games, he has notched 424 runs at an average and strike rate of 84.80 and 139.47 respectively. With five fifties and a top score of 90*, he has shown his class. Though he fell for a duck last time, he is expected to make a comeback.

Probable best bowler of the match

Rashid Khan — Lahore Qalandars

Rashid Khan started the second leg of PSL 2021 with a couple of impressive spells. He also picked up a five-wicket haul against the Peshawar Zalmi. However, in the last two games, he has been taken for a few runs. Nevertheless, with an economy rate of 5.50, he is the most frugal bowler for the Qalandars. Not to forget that he can get handy runs lower down the order.

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.