Karachi Kings v Islamabad United Preview & Betting Tips - Kings to edge PSL clash

By Nikhil Kalro

27 Feb 2024

Nikhil Kalro 27 Feb 2024

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Karachi Kings and Islamabad United set to clash in the six-team league.
Islamabad United, with just one win, coached by Mike Hesson, who aims to formulate a comeback.
Karachi Kings looking to secure a top-three position, with fewer matches played at this point.

Karachi Kings (Getty Images)

In a six-team league where four make the playoffs, you’re technically just a win or two away from bouncing back into contention.

This is exactly what new head coach Mike Hesson must be telling Islamabad United, who are currently fifth in the table with a solitary win in four matches.

Karachi Kings, in comparison, are fourth but there’s little that separates them and third-placed Peshawar Zalmi. Kings have the advantage of having played the least number of matches at this stage (three), and a win will take them soaring into the top three.

United are coming off a loss to Zalmi on Monday night, and will need to bounce back quickly. In a tall chase of 202, they were in it until the end with Azam Khan and Colin Munro combining in an electrifying century stand.

Then they collapsed to lost six wickets in 13 balls, with Arif Yaqoob, the legspinner, picking up four wickets in as many deliveries to send the two-time champions packing.

United will also need to shore up their bowling that came a cropper in the previous game as Babar Azam shellacked an stunning hundred.

The positive was Naseem Shah, who is fighting his way back from injury, looked in good rhythm up front while Shadab Khan was excellent with his control in the middle overs.

Perhaps there’s a case for them to replace Tymal Mills with Obed McCoy to try and find the right balance with the ball in what will largely be a like-for-like switch. Mills conceded 30 in two wicketless overs against the Zalmi.

Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United Predictions

After an season-opening defeat to Multan Sultans, the Kings have bounced back to record two wins of varying degrees of comfort. Their most-recent one against defending champions Lahore Qalandars should give them a boost, coming in the manner that it did.

Chasing 176, their lower order held their nerve to pull off a last-ball thriller, as they rode the experience of T20 superstar Kieron Pollard who made a 33-ball 58.

Pollard orchestrated a magnificent turnaround from 44 for 4, and took them to the doorstep of victory before he and Shoaib Malik were dismissed off consecutive deliveries.

Hasan Ali’s last-over heroics, where he hit a six to level the scores, then helped them secure two crucial points.