Islamabad United (ISL) will face Rawalpindiz (RAP) in match No. 34 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday, April 23.
Rawalpindiz Seek to End Losing Streak
Mohammad Rizwan’s Rawalpindiz have had a debut season to forget in the PSL. They are languishing at the bottom of the points table, having lost eight games in a row and are already eliminated. Rizwan has faced severe criticism for his insipid performances with the bat.
He would look to finish the campaign with a couple of strong performances and give the fans something to cheer for.
Islamabad United Aim to Consolidate Position
Shadab Khan’s Islamabad United have had a decent campaign so far. They have won four and lost two of their seven games, with one game ending without a result. They are placed at No. 3 on the points table.
Karachi Pitch Conditions
The National Stadium in Karachi is expected to provide a fair contest between bat and ball. Spinners could get some assistance, especially as the game progresses. The teams would look to keep wickets in hand and go for the jugular through the middle overs, carrying the momentum on till the end.
Head-to-Head Record
Islamabad United have a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head scoreline, having beaten the Rawalpindiz earlier in the season on April 4.
Team Lineups
Rawalpindiz (RAP): Mohammad Rizwan (C), Shahzaib Khan, Yasir Khan, Sam Billings (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Dian Forrester, Saad Masood, Razaullah, Asif Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Ben Sears.
Islamabad United (ISL): Devon Conway (WK), Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq, Shadab Khan (C), Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Chris Green, Richard Gleeson, Mohammad Hasnain.
Players to Watch
- Sameer Minhas has scored 265 runs in six innings at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 163.58, including three half-centuries.
- Shadab Khan has taken nine scalps in five matches at an average of 13.88 and an economy rate of 6.94.
The 19-year-old Sameer Minhas would want to get his team off to another solid start. Shadab Khan will have a key role to play through the middle overs.