2021 Pakistan Super League – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United taking place? Tuesday 9th June, 2021 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United taking place? Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Where can I get tickets for Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United? No tickets are available as this match will take place without spectators
What channel is Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United on? This match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Mix
Where can I stream Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app
THE TEAM NEWS
LAHORE QALANDARS
- Lahore Qalandars resume this year's Pakistan Super League on six points with three wins and a defeat to their name before the tournament’s suspension, with victory over big rivals Karachi Kings last time out, likely still in the minds of their players heading into resumption.
- After Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan pulled out of the competition, Qalandars have resigned star spin-bowler Rashid Khan and the Afghanistan international will be available for the remainder of the tournament, a huge boost for Sohail Akhtar’s side
- With the spin of Rashid complemented by the searing pace of fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, Lahore are well stocked in the bowling department to go alongside a strong batting line-up, which includes the likes of opener Fakhar Zaman, the big hitting Australian Ben Dunk and Singaporean batter Tim David.
ISLAMABAD UNITED
- Islamabad United sit third leading into the Pakistan Super League's resumption having enjoyed a good start to the competition, like the Qalandars winning three of their opening four matches.
- They have been hit hard by overseas withdrawals due to the rescheduling of the tournament with all three of their England-based players not returning to the side, including BBL 10 top run-scorer Alex Hales, all-rounder Lewis Gregory and opening batter Phil Salt.
- A new overseas batting recruit in the form of Australian Usman Khawaja will come into the side and look to help provide the runs needed to support a bowling attack led by Hassan Ali and Faheem Ashraf.
THE PREDICTION
An intriguing contest kicks off the resumption of the Pakistan Super League in the UAE as two sides with identical records face off. Both sides have changed their quota of overseas players significantly as a result of the tournament’s suspension, but you have to feel that Islamabad United have been significantly weakened by the departures of Alex Hales and Lewis Gregory in particular. Most importantly for Lahore Qalandars was the resigning of bowler Rashid Khan, whose mystery spin will be crucial for them on the expected flat pitches of Abu Dhabi. Any team in the competition will fear a Qalandars bowling attack led by both Rashid and Pakistan international Shaheen Shah Afridi, arguably the best in the competition and it is this bowling unit that should lay the foundations for a Lahore Qalandars victory here.
