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Editor’s Pick (PSL T20): Multan Sultans - Islamabad United

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PSL 25

Multan Sultans would now wonder what on earth happened. They are still doing well. They are still only one point short of the team that is on top of the table. They are still fourth on the table. With a bad run rate of -0.004. They need to get back on top. Islamabad United, on the other hand, is second on the table and quite pleased with themselves. Defending Champions are second to last on the table and have no idea what happened either. They probably do.
Lahore Qalandars are showing signs of life now having won the second match by taking it to the super over level. (Lahore Qalandars defeated Karachi Kings).
That was really something. Goes to show that we can neither sign off a team until the last minute nor guarantee that the defending champions are a shoo-in for the next round.

Today’s match is between Multan Sultans and Islamabad United. With some brilliant performances being displayed by both teams, this match will be a good clash to watch. The venue moves to Sharjah.

Multan Sultans
Lost three matches in a row. To Karachi Kings, To Lahore Qalandars and To Quetta Gladiators. They are in a very low phase now and need to win to be able to make it to the playoffs without any added stress. Multan Sultans sees this as a must-win game. The last three matches saw a collective failure of all departments. What had clicked in the first half of the tournament seems to have switched off in the second half. Ahmed Shehzad needs to remember that this is a T20 match and must not take his own time to settle down. Pressure on middle order batsmen has to be reduced. The captain is overdue.
Key Players
Kumar Sangakkara
Imran Tahir
Kieron Pollard
Umar Gul
Shoaib Malik
Sohaib Maqsood

Islamabad United
Has won four matches in a row. Looks like the team is back on track and is set to make way for the playoffs. The team started slow and has managed to make up in the last four encounters. Senior overseas players are making their mark very well in the PSL here. Experience matters just as much as the presence. Misbah Ul Haq might not have performed as a batsman, but he has played an important role in the overall performance of the team. Alex Hales and Sam Billings can be counted upon as they join the league now.
Key Players
Misbah Ul Haq
JP Duminy
Luke Ronchi
Asif Ali
Hussain Talat
Samit Patel

What do you think?
Indu


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