This article will talk about the probable XIs for both teams and continue with the Dream11 predictions and the winning fantasy team for Match 26 of the PSL 2021 between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi that is scheduled to take place on the 17th of June 2021.
Thursday will another doubleheader’s night in the PSL 2021 at Abu Dhabi and the two teams that are well placed to reach the playoffs are set to face off in the first game of the night. This will be the clash of 2 former PSL champions Islamabad United led by Shadab Khan and the Wahab Riaz-led Peshwar Zalmi will battle it out to potentially seal their place at the top-2. While this will be Zalmi’s final league game, their opponents Islamabad will have another one left after this clash.
Peshawar won the game by 6 wickets when they last met Islamabad United back in February. After 8 games, IU is sitting at the top with 6 wins, while PZ is at the 4th position with 4 wins.
Match Details
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Pitch and Weather– With more or less the same surfaces being used, again and again, the pitch may not produce high scores and the average score has been around 150-160. The forecast shows clear and hot weather conditions on the match day. The maximum temperature hovering around 36 C.
Date and time: June 17, 2021, 5.00 PM GST, 6.00 PM PKT, 6.30 PM IST
The Probable Playing XIs
With David Miller and Fabien Allen most likely not available for this clash for Peshawar Zalmi owing to national commitments, the Afghan opener Hazratullah Zazai could get a nod. Amad Butt who was good for them in the Karachi-leg may find a place.
Islamabad United played the Karachi Kings in their last fixture. They didn’t have the best outing with the ball as young pacer Wasim went for plenty. They might give Mohammad Musa a chance ahead of him.
Peshawar Zalmi– Kamran Akmal(WK), Rovman Powell, Shoaib Malik, Haider Ali, Hazratullah Zazai, Sherfane Rutherford, Amad Butt, Mohammad Irfan, Umaid Asif, Wahab Riaz(C), Mohammad Imran
Islamabad United– Colin Munro, Usman Khawaja, Shadab Khan(C), Asif Ali, Muhammad Akhlaq/ Rohail Nazir(WK), Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Ali Khan, Mohammad Wasim/ Mohammad Musa, Akif Javed
Match Prediction
While the Peshawar Zalmi won 1 and lost 1 since the resumption, Islamabad had 2 dominating wins so far. So the United will be going into this clash as favorites with a 3 match winning streak. Also, the pressure of being their final league game can get to the Zalmi camp.
Fantasy Tips
Batsman– West Indies star Sherfane Rutherford has been amongst runs for the Peshawar Zalmi in the last few games. Haider Ali is another player who can change the course of a game with the bat. Colin Munro has been in sensational form with the bat in this PSL having scores of 90* and 88* which helped the team win. Veteran batsman Shoaib Malik can also be picked for his experience at this level.
All-rounders– Ifthikhar Ahmed has made a stellar contribution to the IU’s success in the last couple of games and is becoming a utility cricketer. Also can be selected is the skipper of Islamabad Shadab Ahmed despite his poor returns in this PSL as he has the ability to win matches both with bat and ball.
Wicket-Keepers– The 39-year-old Kamran Akmal has been making significant contributions for Peshawar right through this PSL and he can be included in your Fantasy XI as the sole keeper.
Bowlers- Both teams have several exciting and experienced pace bowlers. Mohammad Wasim and Akif Javed have been impressive for the IU, while Hasan Ali has always performed at all levels. So the trio can be picked. From Peshawar, the fast bowler and their skipper Wahab Riaz can be selected.
Captaincy choices
Team for fantasy: Colin Munro, Kamran Akmal, Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Sherfane Rutherford, Shadab Khan, Ifthikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Wasim and Akif Javed
Captain– Colin Munro
Munro scored a match-winning 88 against Karachi Kings just days after his 36-ball 90 against Quetta . He can be made the Captain on the back of this performance.
Vice-Captain– Sherfane Rutherford
He has played couple of crucial knocks in this PSL and scored a 40-ball 56 which gave his team PZ something to defend against the Multan Sultans. He has the capability to play destructive innings like most of his WI teammates.
Dream11 Team
