The 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to take center-stage. Defending champions Quetta Gladiators fantasy cricket games, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, will be locking horns with the Islamabad United at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday, February 20. The United are the two-time champions, having gotten their hands on the prestigious trophy in 2016 and 2018 respectively.
The Gladiators won their first title last year, after the defeats in the final in 2016 and 2017. It will also be the first when the United and Gladiators would be facing in Pakistan. The United managed to qualify for the playoffs last time around, but couldn’t make the finals. On head to head, the Gladiators have a 5-4 lead over their opponent. A cracker on an opener can be expected in PSL 2020.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the National Stadium has been historically good for batting. The average score at the very venue in the last five PSL matches is 168. Out of those games, three were won by the team, batting second. The playing conditions will be hazy with the temperature around the 24 degrees Celsius mark. Humidity won’t be on the higher side with the numbers in the 10s and 20s.Team Combination
Islamabad United
The United have a power-packed batting lineup. Luke Ronchi and Colin Munro should be opening the batting for them. The middle-order has the likes of Colin Munro and Dawid Malan. All three left-handers have been in excellent rhythm in recent fantasy games times. Hussain Talat is more than a handy batsman.Asif Ali can take any bowling attack to the cleaners. Amad Butt and Faheem Ashraf are two of the most efficient all-rounders Pakistan have in their cricket. The onus will be also be on Shadab to deliver, both as a bowler and captain. There’s also a chance for Zafar Gohar to break into the eleven.
Probable XI
Luke Ronchi (wk), Colin Munro, Dawid Malan, Colin Ingram, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Amad Butt, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan (C), Rumman Raees, Muhammad Musa/Zafar GoharQuetta Gladiators
Shane Watson and Jason Roy are the likely openers with Ahmed Shehzad batting at number three. Umar Akmal played some decent knocks last time fantasy leagues around and his role will be of prime importance. Sarfaraz Ahmed would also wish to prove a point, after getting sidelined from the national team.
Ben Cutting and Mohammad Nawaz are the all-rounders and have tons of experience under their belt. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah are excellent prospects. The duo will get support from the experienced Sohail Khan. A lot will also depend on how leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed delivers.
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