Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings Preview. IU vs KK Preview Match Prediction
After Quetta Gladiators made it through to the PSL2019 Final, one of Islamabad United and Karachi Kings have the chance to play Peshawar Zalmi. However, to get to the second eliminator, both these sides, who finished level on points, must handle the pressure well.
Islamabad United are coming off an incredible performance against Lahore. They look determined to go towards their third title, seemingly hitting form at the right end of the season. Cameron Delport hit the fastest century in PSL history, and Alex Hales is due to return, making this match a tantilising prospect indeed. Can they make it 3/3 vs today’s opponents in PSL 2019?
Indeed, Karachi Kings have to buck the trend. They lost both games to IU in the group stage, failing to defend their totals. The support of the home crowd can be a big factor, and KK will be hoping that is spurs them on to an all-round performance. Cohesive displays is something they have lacked at times in PSL 2019, and there is no better time than now to get it right.
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Key to an Islamabad United win
The IU batting line up possesses plenty of firepower. That they were able to score a huge 238 in their last game with their leading run scorer Luke Ronchi out for a duck is testament to their depth. However, Ronchi will be key in a big game, along with Cameron Delport and Alex Hales, who can be so destructive that it takes the game away from KK. With Chadwick Walton, Asif Ali and Hussain Talat to follow, a strong powerplay can easily be converted into a big total.
However, will the bowlers deliver for IU? Faheem Ashraf, as the second highest wicket taker in PSL 2019, will undoubtedly be key for his side. He is coming off an incredible six-wicket haul, and is the man IU will be hopeful of delivering. But, who will support him? Will it be skipper Mohammad Sami, who is wicketless in his last three? Or Muhammad Musa and Rumman Raees, who were expensive last time out? With Shadab Khan always a promising prospect, IU need quality from their seamers to get the better of the likes of Babar Azam from the KK side.

Key to a Karachi Kings win
Colin Ingram, Babar Azam and Liam Livingstone have been strong for KK in PSL 2019. Each of these three sit in the top five run scorers for the tournament, and can target an IU attack that has had its ups and downs in this tournament. However, Colin Munro, with just 63 runs in seven innings, must step up now as KK’s big gun player. With the Karachi side struggling in their last outing against PZ, the batsmen have to set the tone against an IU side that has its own good batsmen.
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Also, what can the KK bowling attack offer? Can the outplay IU’s? Mohammad Amir and Usman Shinwari, two left-arm bowlers with great wicket taking potential, are key at the top. The key for IU will certainly be a strong powerplay, and these two can limit them significantly. With the likes Imad Wasim (who is generally economical), Sohail Khan and Umer Khan going the distance in the last start loss vs PZ, the Karachi fans will be hoping for a big response from the bowlers.

Possible Playing 11
Islamabad United: 1. Luke Ronchi (wk), 2. Cameron Delport, 3. Alex Hales, 4. Chadwick Walton, 5. Asif Ali, 6. Hussain Talat, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Mohammad Sami (c), 10. Muhammad Musa, 11. Rumman Raees
Karachi Kings: 1. Babar Azam, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Liam Livingstone, 4. Colin Ingram, 5. Ben Dunk (wk), 6. Iftikhar Ahmed, 7. Imad Wasim (c), 8. Sohail Khan, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Umer Khan, 11. Usman Shinwari
Stats and Facts
- IU have beaten KK twice this season.
- Both these sides finished with five wins and three losses in PSL 2019.
- KK have never reached a PSL Final. IU have won it twice.
Match Prediction
This one should be another interesting clash.
Both sides have resources to deliver victory, but I will go with Islamabad United to win and play Peshawar Zalmi in the second Eliminator.
Thanks for reading!

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Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings Preview. IU vs KK Preview Match Prediction