KK vs PZ Match Preview
Peshawar are still in the running for a play-off berth, while Karachi only have a mathematical chance of advancing. Neither team have genuinely impressed consistently this PSL season and it will be interesting to see how they fare each against each other here. The last time they met, the Kings ended Zalmi's four-match winning streak against them.
The Kings have relied heavily on solid contributions from Kieron Pollard and Shoaib Malik in the middle order, which shows that their top order hasn't been firing as well as it should have. Pollard and Malik, individually or collectively, are good selections for your Dream11 team. Both can bowl, too.
But for specialist Karachi bowlers, you should be looking at Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza. They have shared 23 wickets in the 2024 PSL, bowling with pace and accuracy throughout. Both could find themselves in Pakistan's squad for the T20 World Cup later this year.
Babar Azam has been predictably superb this PSL season. He has the most runs in the 2024 tournament - 447 in eight innings. His last four innings have included a century and consecutive half-tons. He is an absolute must for your selections - first name on your Dream11 teamsheet.
While you will have plenty of right-arm fast bowlers to consider, England star Luke Wood is a good left-arm variation to pick. He has taken 10 wickets for Zalmi this season - that's the most by any Peshawar bowler so far. Arif Yaqoob and Salman Irshad have supported him well.
For an excellent wicketkeeper-batter who can double as an opener, Tim Seifert of Karachi is a sound selection. His last three innings have been 36, 26 and 49. He will have another opportunity to score quickly and freely in the powerplay on a pitch that should prove true in bounce and carry.
Weather Report
No rain is forecast around the National Stadium in Karachi on matchday. We should get a full fixture in here. Hot and humid conditions are anticipated.
Pitch Report
A first-innings score of 170-plus should be competitive. Both teams will likely play two specialist slow bowlers. Based on recent PSL records at this ground, the team to win the toss will probably choose to bat first.
Notable stats
Babar Azam in form
Azam's 447 runs in eight innings this PSL season is a remarkable statistic. He has hit four half-tons and a century, which was 111 not out against Islamabad United. The Zalmi captain is a huge asset for his team.
Team News
Zalmi won't likely change their XI, but might consider an alternative to batter Mohammad Haris, whose last three knocks have brought just 23 runs. It will be interesting to see if the Kings replace or keep fast bowler Anwar Ali in the XI. They could opt for an additional all-rounder or spinner.
KK vs PZ Probable 11
KK Playing 11
- Tim Seifert (Wk)
- James Vince
- Shan Masood (C)
- Kieron Pollard
- Shoaib Malik
- Irfan Khan
- Anwar Ali
- Arafat Minhas
- Hasan Ali
- Zahid Mahmood
- Blessing Muzarabani
PZ Playing 11
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam (C)
- Mohammad Haris
- Haseebullah Khan (Wk)
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Rovman Powell
- Aamer Jamal
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Luke Wood
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Khurram Shahzad
Dream11 Prediction
Peshawar Zalmi are in a stronger position to win than the Karachi Kings. Zalmi's batting and bowling depth looks more formidable.
Top Picks
Luke Wood: Look no further than one of the best left-arm fast bowlers in the tournament.
Babar Azam: You simply cannot skip the leading run-scorer this tournament. He can captain your Dream11 team, too.
Kieron Pollard: For a powerful middle-order option, Karachi's West Indian recruit is your man.
KK vs PZ Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Tim Seifert
Batters: Kieron Pollard (VC), Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub
All-rounders: Shoaib Malik, Aamer Jamal
Bowlers: Luke Wood, Hasan Ali, Naveen-ul-Haq, Zahid Mahmood, Mehran Mumtaz
