Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United and Wahab Riaz’s resurgent Peshawar Zalmi will play HBL Pakistan Super League’s eliminator 1 on Thursday to move one step closer to the marquee final, by booking a spot in eliminator 2. Peshawar came into the tournament under Wahab eyeing a second trophy after winning the 2017 edition, the only second season, of the HBL PSL. Wahab and co finished third on the points table with four losses and six wins out of the 10 group matches, but they picked up pace at the latter end, which some believe can help them in playoffs. Meanwhile, Islamabad United, the only two-time champions of HBL PSL (2016 and 2018), were shepherded by all-rounder Shadab Khan into the seventh edition. The leggie-turned-all-rounder was frugal with the ball, taking 17 wickets, while he also contributed heavily with the bat after promoting himself to the top of the order. However, his stint was cut short by an injury, which forced him out of the last three group matches, where vice-captain Asif Ali had to hold the reins. Islamabad won four and lost six matches in the 10-match group stage, but due to better run-rate than fifth-placed Quetta Gladiators, they made it into the playoffs. ‘Peshawar can ride current form’ Former Pakistan batter Yasir Hameed was optimistic of Peshawar’s chances in the ongoing HBL PSL7, saying they have momentum on their side at the moment. “Peshawar is on a winning spree, which means they can beat Islamabad in the first eliminator. Peshawar have a great track record, which also makes my belief firm that they can beat Islamabad. They’ve been performing well under pressure. “Meanwhile, Hazratullah Zazai, Haider Ali and Kamran Akmal have been waiting for a good day with the bat and if even one of them performs for Peshawar, then they can easily beat Islamabad.” However, Yasir was aware that Shadab can be the difference between Peshawar and Islamabad on Thursday. “Shadab has a different impact now. He could bowl and field well firstly, but now he is showing great confidence with the bat too. Peshawar can only lose if Shadab continues his purple patch after coming back from injury.” Yasir also commented on Lahore’s inconsistency, saying they wither under pressure. “All of the pressure is on Fakhar to give them a good start in batting. Lahore nearly always look under pressure and they haven’t learned how to handle it. In the past seven seasons, they’ve always seemed under pressure, which takes that midas touch away from them, which is needed to win HBL PSL.” Multan-Lahore final: Sami When asked who will win the first eliminator, former Pakistan Test cricketer Mohammad Sami said: “Islamabad.” He continued: “Both teams have a good bowling and batting line-up, however, I don’t see them making their way into the final. I think Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars will play the final.” Sami then praised Shadab for showing prowess with both bat and ball. “Shadab has been doing great with both bat and ball and he will be an asset when Pakistan go to Australia to play the T20 World Cup this year.” Sami, however, was not satisfied with the pitches prepared for HBL PSL7’s Lahore leg. “The ball isn’t bouncing much, which will be a problem for our players when they go and play the T20 World Cup in Australia.”
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