Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi is one of the star attractions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Getty

Karachi Kings take on Peshawar Zalmi in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Dubai International Cricket stadium on 17 February (Wednesday).

Where to watch

The match will start at 11.30am GMT. Live coverage of the game is available in the UK on Prime TV.

Overview

The penultimate match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will see Karachi Kings take on Peshawar Zalmi at the Dubai International Cricket stadium. In what might dampen the spirits, there are chances of the rain god playing spoilsport, with the weather forecast predicting showers.

One team who would be hoping that the rain god stays away on Wednesday is Karachi Kings, for whom this is a must-win game. The Kings are currently tied with Lahore Qalandars on four points but have a better net run rate, which can play an important role in such tournaments.

The Kings last played on Sunday, which would have given them time to reflect on what has gone wrong for them so far. Shoaib Malik's men haven't been able to put in consistent performances, which have hampered their progress so far. However, in Lendl Simmons, Shakib Al Hasan and the skipper himself there is enough batting firepower to challenge the opposition.

Ravi Bopara, who is leading the batting charts with 269 runs, will look to continue his good form while Mohammad Amir and co will need to perform with the ball if they are to remain in contention for a play off spot. Even a win might not be enough for the Kings, as they will be dependent on the result between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars, which takes place later on 17 February.

Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, have had an impressive Pakistan Super League (PSL) so far, cruising into the play off stage. The Peshawar outfit are currently in the second place with 10 points, a win here and they will move to the top in the league.

Tamim Iqbal and Wahab Riaz have been the stars for the Peshawar outfit, scoring 267 runs and picking up 12 wickets respectively, while skipper Shahid Afridi too joined the party, picking a career best 5/7 in their last game against Quetta Gladiators. Zalmi might look to rest certain players with the play off spot already sewn up.

Prediction

Karachi Kings to win

Betting Odds (888sport)

  • Karachi Kings to win: 21/20
  • Peshawar Zalmi to win: 3/4

Team News

Karachi Kings

Squad: Shoaib Malik (c), Nauman Anwar, Lendl Simmons, Shahzaib Hasan, Fawad Alam, James Vince, Imad Wasim, Ravi Bopara, Shakib Al Hasan, Ifthikar Ahmed, Bilawal Bhatti, Sohail Tanvir, Mushfiqur Rehman, Saifullah Bangash, Sohail Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usama Mir, Mir Hamza, TM Dilshan.

Peshawar Zalmi

Squad: Shahid Afridi (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Tamim Iqbal, Shahid Yousuf, Dawid Malan, Brad Hodge, Musadiq Ahmed, Israrullah, Aamer Yamin, Darren Sammy, Jim Allenby, Kamran Akmal, Abdur Rehman, Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz, Shaun Tait, Imran Khan, Hasan Ali, Rashid Khan, Taj Wali, Muhammad Asghar.