PSLMatch 26_Preview

0:

Match Details

Date: 17 June, 2021

Time: 11:30 PM IST

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Live Ball-by-Ball commentary: SportsTiger App

Preview

As we enter the business end of league stages in PSL 2021, it's time for a blockbuster contest between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in match no. 27 of the tournament. Both the sides were playing some good and exciting start until recently before their forms took a huge dip. While Qalandars come to this contest on the back of two back-to-back defeats, Kings have lost three consecutive matches and have dropped down to fifth spot in the standings.

Talking about Sohail Akhtar's Lahore Qalandars, they have 10 points in 8 matches and a win in this contest can increase their chances of a top 2 finish. On the other hand, it's do-or-die situation for Imad Wasim's Kings whose hopes of progressing into the playoffs could almost come to an end with one more defeat. With such high stakes and so much to play for both sides, the fans can expect a high-voltage contest in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Head to Head

Karachi Kings - 7

Lahore Qalandars - 5

Team News

Aamer Yamen and Noor Ahmad played the last contest ahead of Thisara Perera and Arshad Iqbal and Karachi Kings might stick with the duo as both Yamen and Ahmad were among the wickets. On the other hand, Qalandars might continue to prefer Zeeshan Ashraf over Mohammad Faizan at No. 3 spot.

Key Players 

Babar Azam:

The charismatic right-handed batsman had a rare failure in the previous contest against Peshawar Zalmi as he was dismissed on a golden luck. Kings suffered a dramatic collapse post that which signifies the importance of Azam in the side. Having scored 424 runs in 8 matches so far, the Pakistan skipper will have to be at his absolute best in this all-important contest.

James Faulkner:

Lahore Qalandars' new signing James Faulkner has been on a roll since resumption of PSL 2021, having already taken 11 wickets in only 4 appearances for the franchise. The veteran Aussie all-rounder has completely bamboozled the batsmen with his slower ones and back-of-the-hand delivery and will be looking to continue his impressive run of form in this crucial match.

Imad Wasim:

Karachi Kings' captain Imad Wasim has had a mixed season in PSL 2021 so far. He has not been able to make too much of an impact with both bat and ball but has chipped in with some valuable contributions. Coming on the back of a good all-round performance where he scored 19 runs and had bowling figures of 2/2, Wasim will need to lead from the front against Qalandars.

Probable Playing XI

Karachi Kings:

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

Lahore Qalandars:

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