IU vs KK Match Preview
Islamabad United boasts a formidable batting line-up, although their performance has been somewhat inconsistent. Agha Salman stands out as the top run-scorer for the team, having scored 229 runs at an impressive average of 45.8. He plays a crucial role in the middle order. The opening pair will consist of Colin Munro and Alex Hales.
While Munro has shown promise with a few good innings, Hales has struggled to capitalize on his starts. The team also benefits from the presence of quality all-rounders such as Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan, who are capable of hitting big shots in the final overs.
Shadab Khan leads the bowling attack with 10 wickets to his name, supported by Wasim and Salman. Naseem Shah, on the other hand, has had a relatively quiet season with 9 wickets. He will share the new ball responsibilities with Hunain Shah.
The Karachi team's batting performance has been less than stellar, but there are a couple of batsmen who are showing signs of improvement. On Wednesday, Tim Seifert scored 49 runs, helping the team secure a victory against Quetta. He will once again be relied upon to provide a strong start, alongside Shan Masood.
Masood, on the other hand, has had a relatively quiet tournament thus far, and his form will be crucial for the team's future matches. The middle order is bolstered by the presence of Shoaib Malik, James Vince, and Kieron Pollard, with Malik and Pollard being the team's top two run-scorers.
The seamers, especially Hasan Ali, have been impressive with their bowling. Ali took four wickets in the last match and currently ranks third in the list of top wicket-takers for the season. He has received valuable support from Mir Hamza and Blessing Muzarabani.
In terms of spin, the team relies on Shoaib Malik and Zahid Mohammad. However, their performances have been inconsistent.
Weather Report
The weather is likely to remain cloudy with temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Rawalpindi is excellent to bat on and has seen an average first-inning score of over 180 this season. The surface is firm and there isn’t much grass, allowing the batsmen to play their shots. The outfield is pretty quick too. The pitch does slow down a bit in the second half of the match, making batting a tad bit difficult.
Notable stats
Shoaib Malik: Don't Write Him Off Yet
Shoaib Malik has been one of the most consistent batsmen for the Karachi Kings in the middle order. He has scored 204 runs in 7 matches this season at an average of 34.00 and a strike rate of 119.29. He has also picked up 2 wickets.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
IU vs KK Probable 11
IU Playing 11
- Alex Hales
- Colin Munro
- Agha Salman
- Shadab Khan (C)
- Azam Khan (Wk)
- Jordan Cox
- Imad Wasim
- Faheem Ashraf
- Hunain Shah
- Naseem Shah
- Rumman Raees
KK Playing 11
- Shan Masood (C)
- Tim Seifert (Wk)
- James Vince
- Shoaib Malik
- Kieron Pollard
- Irfan Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Hasan Ali
- Mir Hamza
- Zahid Mahmood
- Blessing Muzarabani
Dream11 Prediction
Islamabad United enters this contest as the favorite to win. They enjoy an excellent head-to-head record against Karachi and have won the last 7 matches against them, including the reverse fixture earlier this season. Islamabad has a stronger batting line-up compared to Karachi and also a better bowling attack.
Top Picks
Hasan Ali: Hasan Ali is the leading wicket-taker for Karachi this season. He has picked up 13 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 17.46 and a strike rate of 12.60.
Shadab Khan: Shadab Khan is the leading wicket-taker for Islamabad with 10 wickets. He has also scored 190 runs at a strike rate of 141.79.
Agha Salman: Agha Salman has scored 229 runs at a strike rate of 152.66 and has also picked up 2 wickets.
IU vs KK Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: A Khan, T Seifert
Batters: K Pollard, J Vince, C Munro
All-rounders: S Khan (C), S Malik, A Salman (VC), I Wasim
Bowlers: H Ali, N Shah
