Pakistan Super League (PSL) is returning tomorrow with a grand opening as the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, are set to challenge Islamabad United in the first match of the PSL 2024. PSL is a spectacle that will take place from 17th February to 18th March, comprising a total of 34 games, including the playoffs and finals. All six teams, consisting of excellent local and international talents, look well-settled and balanced. We can expect some top-quality and closely-contested cricket from all the teams as the competition is known for providing us with close games and nerve-wracking thrillers.
So, you probably don’t want to make wrong decisions with your fantasy teams in such a closely-fought tournament. Not only for teams but for your fantasy teams as well, the margin of errors is minimal. For that very reason, we’ll provide you with expertly crafted fantasy tips and predictions for every game, starting right now from Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United.
Match Details:
Fixture: First Match of the PSL Season 9
Date and Timing: 17th February – 8:00 pm (Local Time)/ 3:00 pm (GMT).
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Probable XIs:
Lahore Qalandars
Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen, Dan Lawrence, Kamran Ghulam, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (Captain), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and Syed Faridoun.
Islamabad United
Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Salman Agha, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan (Captain), Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Tymal Mills, and Obed McCoy.
LQ vs IU Fantasy Tips:
Since the match is at Gaddafi Stadium, we can see a high scorer in the opening game. The average first innings total in PSL at the venue is 171. The runs do not come as easy at this venue as at the Pindi Stadium, but still, it is a high-scoring venue.
Now, bowlers will have a vital role in this game, but going by the pattern of T20 cricket in recent years, I think all-rounders will play an important role as well. So our fantasy tip for the Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United game is “Select All-Rounders Wisely..”
Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad Dream XI Predictions:
LQ vs IU Dream XI Wicket-Keepers
- Shai Hope: Shai Hope, who played three matches for LQ last season, is back again with the team and is one of our choice wicketkeepers.
- Azam Khan: The explosive wicket-keeper batter of Islamabad United is our second wicketkeeper for the team. He was also in sublime touch in the last PSL, scoring 282 runs at a strike rate of over 160.
LQ vs IU Dream XI Batters
- Fakhar Zaman: Zaman had an excellent year with the bat in 2023 and displayed his best on the grandest stage as well last year. He was also the fourth-highest scorer in the previous PSL.
- Abdullah Shafique: Second on our list of batters is another local star. Since the last PSL, his career has grown immensely, and he will be donning the Qalandars’ jersey once again.
- Alex Hales: Alex Hales is back with United again and looks fresher and more active than ever. He’s one of the players who’ve scored over 1000 runs in the competition, and he has done that at an average of 34.4 and a strike rate of over 140.
- Colin Munro: Another household name for the Islamabad United. Munro has also scored over 1000 runs in the PSL and is averaging just over 30 with a strike rate of 154.53.
IU vs LQ Dream XI All-Rounders
- Shadab Khan: Shadab, who was absolutely terrible with the ball in the latter half of 2023, is one of our choice for all-rounders. He might be a little out of form, but he has made his way to our team because of his exceptional talents and performances within the United’s environment.
- Imad Wasim: Imad Wasim scored 404 runs last season, striking over 170 and taking nine wickets. One of the most valuable all-rounders from the previous season will be wearing new colors this season and making his way to our Dream XI team.
- David Wiese: One of the most experienced players from both the lineups is our third all-rounder. He has won many games for Qalandars with his finishing skills. He also comes in handy with the ball at times.
LQ vs IU Dream XI Bowlers
- Shaheen Afridi: Shaheen was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the 2023 PSL, taking 19 wickets in 12 matches.
- Naseem Shah: Naseem Shah, who will be playing for a different side this season, is our second bowler for the Dream XI team.
Vice-Captain
Shaheen Afridi is the vice-captain of our Dream XI team.
Captain
Imad Wasim is the captain of our Dream XI team.
