The injury-stricken Lahore Qalandars will face Islamabad United at National Stadium Karachi on Saturday evening in a must-win match.
Like first three Editions of HBL PSL, the 2019 Edition hasn’t been noteworthy either for Lahore Qalandars. They ended last in 2016, 2017 & 2018 while in 2019, Multan Sultans slipped even further.
However it’s not over yet for Lahore Qalandars in HBL PSL 2019 as if they manage to seal two back-to-back victories today and day after tomorrow, they would be through.
#Qalandars will take on @IsbUnited at 7 pm this evening! A must win match for the #Qalandars! Keep the support coming! 🥁
#DamaDamMast #MainHoonQalandar #HBLPSL #LQvIU pic.twitter.com/p5FuBqOOgI— Lahore Qalandars (@lahoreqalandars) March 9, 2019
Even Islamabad United despite being third placed at the moment can’t afford to ease up on their rivals. Because their defeat in today’s match would very much pave the way for both Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars to qualify for the elimination round.
HBL PSL 2019 Points Table
It is worth noting that Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United were also engaged in the inaugural match of the HBL PSL 2019 at Dubai on February 14. Islamabad United won that opener by 5 wickets.
Now again same two teams would indulge in the first battle of the last leg of Pakistan Super League 2019 at Karachi.
If Islamabad win today, they will quality for the playoffs stage. If they lose, they will have to rely on other teams and NRR.
If Lahore win today, they will strengthen their chances to qualify for playoffs. If they lose, they’ll still be in contention. #PSL2019
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 9, 2019
As above mentioned, Lahore Qalandars would not be equipped with their full strengthen. Their Captain Mohammad Hafeez, AB de Villiers and Ryan ten Doeschate have already left the Squad for injury issues. New Zealand’s all-rounder Corey Anderson won’t also be available for PSL’s Pakistan leg.
Therefore, English Wicket-Keeper Batsman Riki Wessels and the Sri Lankan all-rounder Asela Gunaratne have now joined Lahore Qalandars as replacements.
