Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey

PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Today | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

After a whirlwind PSL 2021 league stage, separated across Pakistan and UAE, the final four has been confirmed. Islamabad United sealed top spot thanks to a brilliant run of form that saw them win their last five matches, which includes a win a few days ago against today’s opponents Multan Sultans.

So, what does Qualifier 1 hold in store? United still beat Sultans without the in-form Colin Munro, Usman Khawaja and Hasan Ali in what was effectively a curtain-raiser last game, so they will be confident heading into this game. However, the pressure of a Qualifier is sure to have the Sultans on greater alert, as they too have enjoyed a good UAE leg of PSL 2021 (four wins in their past five matches).

This one certainly promises to be a battle between the excellent opening batting combinations. Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood muscled 93 in 9.3 overs against United a couple of days back, and the form of Khawaja and Munro is for all to see. Eyes will be on the bowling attacks – particularly in the powerplay and death overs – to see how they hold their nerve in the quest for direct qualification to the PSL 2021 Final.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Islamabad United:

• Usman Khawaja scored a magnificent century in his last innings (105* off 66 balls). United will be hoping that the left-hander continues his excellent touch.
• His opening partner, Colin Munro, has been simply outstanding in the UAE leg of PSL 2021. He has smashed a total of 241 runs in five matches at an average of 80.33 and SR of 174.64. Key player.
• Asif Ali and Iftikhar Ahmed will be key at the backend of the innings. Asif has struck 215 runs in PSL 2021 at an average of 35.83 and superb SR of 176.22. Iftikhar is not far behind in terms of runs, with 195 at an average of 48.75 (SR 128.28).
• Shadab Khan has taken eight wickets in eight matches vs Multan, and achieved his best batting score against them last game (35 off 27 balls).
• Mohammad Wasim was player of the match two days ago vs Multan after he took 4/31. He now has seven wickets in two matches for Islamabad against Multan.
• Faheem Ashraf has seven wickets in seven games vs Multan. This includes a steady spell of 2/24 last game.
• United will welcome back Hasan Ali for this match. He has taken eight wickets in six games vs Multan in his career, as well as 12 scalps in eight matches in PSL 2021. He has taken at least one wicket in all four of his matches in the UAE leg (2/27, 2/24, 1/31, 1/30).

Multan Sultans:

• Mohammad Rizwan has had a terrific PSL 2021 campaign. In 10 matches, he has amassed 470 runs at 52.22 with a strike rate of 131.28. Also, Rizwan has scored 97 runs in total vs Multan this season (scores of 71 and 26).
• Shan Masood is in fine form. He has scored two half-centuries in his last three matches (73, 0, 59). He is coming off a 37-ball 59 vs United two days ago.
• Sohaib Maqsood has scored just 2 and 12 vs Islamabad this season. However, he has had a fine season, with 304 runs at 38 (SR 154.31), which is the fifth-most runs of any batsman this season. Key player.
• What a season Shahnawaz Dahani has had. He has the most wickets of any bowler (20 wickets in 9 matches), including 2/21 vs United last game.
• Imran Tahir has taken six wickets in four matches in PSL 2021 (2/27, 0/27, 3/17, 1/8).

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 8, Islamabad United 5, Multan Sultans 3.
• Islamabad United have won three of the past four matches vs Sultans, including twice this season.
• The winner of this match will qualify for the PSL 2021 Final. Islamabad have previously made two finals, winning both (2016 and 2018). Multan Sultans have never reached the final before.

Possible Playing 11

Islamabad United: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Iftikhar Ahmed, 4. Shadab Khan (c), 5. Asif Ali, 6. Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), 7. Hussain Talat, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Ali Khan, 10. Mohammad Wasim, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Multan Sultans: 1. Shan Masood, 2. Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), 3. Sohaib Maqsood, 4. Rilee Rossouw, 5. Johnson Charles, 6. Hammad Azam/Khushdil Shah, 7. Sohail Tanvir, 8. Usman Qadir, 9. Imran Tahir, 10. Blessing Muzarabani, 11. Shahnawaz Dahani 

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

Islamabad have been making the big scores in PSL 2021, adjusting well to the slow Abu Dhabi surface. Expect another slow pitch here, where runs on the board in the region of 160-170 can be a winning score. More warm and clear weather is on the cards.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Islamabad United have been brilliant, and they look good for another win. However, Multan can challenge them with their bowling, so getting through the top order will be key.