PZ vs KK Match Preview
The batsmen have done a decent job for Peshawar this season and the top order including Babar Azam, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Mohammad Haris have batted well. Babar and Kohler-Cadmore have scored 2 half-centuries each and the team will be banking on them to play another good inning here.
Saim Ayub struggled a bit at the start of the season but will be relieved after scoring a half-century in the last encounter, albeit for a losing cause. The presence of Rovman Powell and James Neesham adds depth to the batting, but both haven’t been consistent with the bat.
The team’s premier fast bowler, Wahab Riaz, has struggled to pick up wickets and has been quite expensive too. The other seamers, Salman Irshad and Arshad Iqbal too have struggled and the team will be banking on all-rounder James Neesham to fill in.
Just like Peshawar, the Karachi Kings has a strong batting line-up. Matthew Wade and James Vince are capable of scoring some quick runs during the Powerplay, while Imad Wasim and Shoaib Malik lend stability to the middle order. Tayyab Tahir played his first match of the season in the team’s latest outing and was quite impressive, scoring 65 runs from 46 deliveries.
However, the lower middle order has struggled to get going as Ben Cutting and Irfan Khan haven’t been able to score big runs. Tabraiz Shamsi, who made his debut in the last match, picked up 3 wickets for just 18 runs and is likely to once again lead the spin attack, while Akif Javed and Aamer Yamin are likely to share the new ball duties.
Weather Report
The weather is expected to be overcast with some showers later during the match, which may be an advantage for the team batting second if the DLS comes into play.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Rawalpindi is good to bat on and has seen an average first-inning score of around 160 during the PSL. The good bounce makes it easier for the batsmen to score runs and the outfield is quite fast too. The spinners are likely to struggle but the quicker bowlers will get some movement from the pitch.
Notable stats
Mohammad Haris’ Explosive Batting
Mohammad Haris has been quite consistent for Peshawar at the top of the order and can score some quick runs during the Powerplay. In his last 10 appearances, he has scored 274 runs at an impressive strike rate of 183.89.
Team News
There are no reports of injuries from either squad.
PZ vs KK Probable 11
PZ Playing 11
- Mohammad Haris (Wk)
- Babar Azam (C)
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Saim Ayub
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Rovman Powell
- James Neesham
- Wahab Riaz
- Saad Masood
- Salman Irshad
- Arshad Iqbal
KK Playing 11
- Matthew Wade (Wk)
- James Vince
- Tayyab Tahir
- Imad Wasim (C)
- Shoaib Malik
- Ben Cutting
- Irfan Khan
- Aamer Yamin
- Muhammad Musa
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Akif Javed
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing the Karachi Kings to win this contest. After a dull start, the team finally appears to have gathered some steam and has played some good cricket over the last few days. While there isn’t much separating Peshawar from Karachi in the batting department, the latter has a stronger and well-rounded bowling attack which much be the key here.
Top Picks
Babar Azam: Babar Azam is in sublime form this season and has scored 2 half-centuries in the 5 matches that he has played this season so far. He has an average of 44.50 and an excellent strike rate of 130.88.
Imad Wasim: Imad Wasim is one of the best all-rounders in the PSL currently. He is the top-scorer as well as the top wicket-taker for Karachi this season with 180 runs and 7 wickets respectively.
Shoaib Malik: Shoaib Malik adds a lot of stability to the middle order and has scored 174 runs at an average of 43.50 this season. He is also a part-time spinner and can take wickets at key junctures.
PZ vs KK Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: M Haris, M Wade
Batters: B Azam, T Kohler Cadmore, J Vince, S Malik
All-rounders: J Neesham (VC), I Wasim (C)
Bowlers: T Shamsi, A Javed, A Yamin
