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LQ vs IU PSL 2021 – Match Preview
The second leg of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 is going to hit the floor from June 9 in Abu Dhabi. The sixth edition of PSL was suspended in early March 2021 due to the rampant rise in Covid cases in Pakistan. After so many controversies and commotion, finally, PSL 2021 will start its second innings with a fascinating clash between Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United.
Both teams have performed impressively till now in the tournament. Out of four contests, they have won on three occasions and lost one respectively. Talking about the possibility of qualifying in the playoffs, both teams have fair chances. Whoever wins today's encounter will automatically reach the top of the points table.
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So, fans are going to witness the clash of titans as both squads are equally competent and full of conviction. However, one thing is crucial to note down that Lahore Qalandars have failed to secure a win against Islamabad United since the 2016-17 season. Apart from historical legacy, it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the UAE conditions. Also, the teams are going to play after an abyss of three months with some crucial players missing.
Before we look at the LQ vs IU PSL Match Prediction, here's a look at what does today's fixture has to offer:
LQ vs IU Probable Playing XI
Lahore Qalandars
Qalandars have a dream run since its inception of the PSL 2021. The robust batting lineup comprises Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, and Ben Dunk. All of them have performed remarkably well till now. Moreover, having an experienced allrounder like Hafeez and James Faulkner who can contribute with bat and ball equivalently adds immense value to the team.
In the bowling department, the team has in-form Haris Rauf and Sheen Afridi, They will get assistance from T20 specialists Rashid Khan. Let’s check out the probable playing XI for this match:
Fakhar Zaman, Zeeshan Ashraf, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Akhtar (c), Ben Dunk (wk), James Faulkner, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, Seekkuge Prasanna, Haris Rauf
Islamabad United
The team will miss its prime contributor Alex Hales. Whilst, Usman Khwaja and Colin Munro will be a deadly combo and may destroy any bowling lineup. The addition of Usman Khawja will bring a wealth of experience to the team. Also, United’s middle-order has performed decently in the first phase of the PSL 2021 and expected to continue its run. Asif Ali and Shadab Khan's performances will be the X- factor for the team.
Talking about United’s bowling unit, Hasan Ali will lead from the front and he will get assistance from teammate Faheem Ashraf and youngster Mohommad Wasm jr. Here’s the predicted playing XI of United:
Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Rohail Nazir (wk), Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Musa, Mohammad Wasim Jr
LQ vs IU Head-To-Head Record in PSL | H2H PSL Stats:
Total Matches- 10
Lahore Qalandars won- 2
Islamabad United won- 8
Well, looking at the LQ vs IU head-to-head stats one can conclude the sheer contrast between these two sides. The numbers portray the prime dominance of Islamabad United over Lahore Qalandars. Si, the battle is going to be extremely intriguing, the one who has historical prominence and the other one with a motive to change the supremacy.
Players to Watch Out for in today's LQ vs IU PSL match
For Qalandars, Mohammad Hafeez, the cornerstone of the team who have been performing well with both bat and ball. He will be the player to watch out for along with the impressive Rashid Khan. Shaheen Shah Afridi will be another player to watch out for Lahore Qalandars in today's outing against Islamabad United.
On the other hand, all eyes will be on the latest feather in United’s cap, Usman Khwaja. He will be in the limelight in absence of their supreme Alex Hales. Also, Hasan Ali will be the key player who has the sole responsibility of the bowling department. In the past, Islamabad has shown a lot of dependency on Faheem Ashraf as one of the core members of the franchise in the PSL.
LQ vs IU Match Prediction- Who Will Today's PSL 2021 Match?
Well, both teams currently stand on the same podium. However, Islamabad United has historical hegemony, while Qalandars has a strong lineup with immense enthusiasm. Surely, Islamabad is going to have major missing of its most valuable player Alex Hales. So, in this regard and the availability of players, Qalandars will start as favorites to win today's LQ vs IU PSL 2021 match on June 9.
