Defending Champions Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars | Preview & Predication | PSL Pakistan Super League 2019 |14th February
The opening matches will be played between two times Champions Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars on 14th February at 10:00 pm (PST) in Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
The successful "HBL PSL" journey continues with Pakistan Cricket Board and HBL confirming the renewal of title sponsorship rights for the next three years. The tournament will kick-off from tomorrow (14th February) following a star-studded ceremony which will feature world-renowned rockstar, Pitbull and Pakistan’s most popular band, Junoon at 8:00pm (PST).
The opening matches will be played between two times Champions Islamabad United and competition favorites Lahore Qalandars on 14th February at 10:00 pm (PST) in Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
Defending champions Islamabad United will face a tough opening fixture against competition favorites Lahore Qalandars in the first game of the 2019 Pakistan Super League. United have been the team to beat since the induction of the PSL three years’ ago but have a big task on their hands to retain their crown. The Qalandars have recruited wisely with the acquisition of AB de Villiers enough to set pulses racing and his side can lay down a marker with victory in this opening contest.
The most successful team in HBL PSL’s brief history is Islamabad United, which won titles in 2016 and 2018 and holds a success percentage of 59.67 after winning 19 out of 32 matches.
In last meeting, Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by 6 wickets. However, Qalandars never qualified for the playoffs, and also have the worst win percentage among all teams.
ISLAMABAD UNITED
Islamabad United head into the fourth edition of the PSL as defending champions with the most successful franchise in the competition’s history looking to secure back-to-back titles in what would be their third victory.
37-year-old Mohammad Sami has been named captain of Islamabad United with the second highest wicket-taker in PSL history replacing Luke Ronchi whilst Shadab Khan has been appointed as vice-captain at the tender age of 20.
Ronchi is now free to concentrate on his batting which will be a worry for the opposing teams in the tournament after he scored the highest number runs in the 2018 PSL although it with him and Ian Bell two of their overseas' players, they are relying heavily on some veterans to produce the goods.
LAHORE QALANDARS
Lahore Qalandars will be led by Mohammad Hafeez in PSL 2019.Lahore Qalandars have been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to claim the 2019 PSL crown but have it all to do to back that confidence up having finished in last position in all three competitions so far and have notoriously had big names but have failed to deliver.
With a superb roster on paper with AB de Villiers the obvious highlight, it is clear to see why the Qalandars are held in such high regard heading in to this year’s competition as the South African heads the list of some star names.
De Villiers is supported by West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson, and Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane to name a couple whilst Pakistan paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi could have a breakout competition at just 18-years-old.
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