The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), which provided rich cricketing entertainment to fans in the last four seasons, is set to show quality game in its fifth edition starting from February 20 with opening match at Karachi.
Islamabad United, representing the federal capital, boast two HBL PSL titles, which they bagged in the inaugural edition in 2016 and in 2018. Sultans, in their two outings, to date, have not been able to make it to the play-off stage. They, however, have provided some real on the field fireworks.
Sultans turned the tables on United in the 2019 season by winning both round matches by five and six wickets respectively.
Two-time champions United have once again assembled a formidable squad that is a real contender for silverware at the HBL PSL 2020. But Sultans too have a very strong combination which will fight United toe-to-toe when the two sides clash in their two group fixtures.
Their first match is scheduled to take place at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on 22nd February. The two teams then play at United's home ground, Pindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi on 8 March. The battles to look for would be between United's formidable top-order and Sultans bowling line-up.
United's batting prowess at the top is led by Ronchi, England's T20 specialist Dawid Malan (former HBL PSL winner with Peshawar Zalmi), South African Colin Ingram (former Karachi Kings player), New Zealand's Colin Munro (former Karachi Kings player) and the explosive upcoming left-handed opener Rizwan Hussain.
Sultans' bowling attack on the other end includes real experience and pedigree in Junaid Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan, Shahid Afridi and Imran Tahir. The bowling attack that has tons of T20 international and franchise experience around the world is backed by the raw pace of Mohammad Ilyas (second season for Sultans) and all-rounder Bilawal Bhatti.
Conversely, United also have a richly experienced and capable bowling attack that is led by their captain and leg-spinner Shadab Khan. Shadab will also have the services of South African fast bowling legend Dale Steyn who is set to make his first HBL PSL appearance.
United have to their disposal all-rounder Faheem Ashraf who has been one of the most successful bowlers in the tournament. His 18-wicket haul was one of the major reasons for United's 2018 title triumph. Pakistan T20 Internationals Musa Khan and Rumman Raees provide pace and guile to the attack.
Sultans though would aim to counter the United bowlers with their own power-packed batting line-up, especially the top-order. The ever-improving Shan Masood leads the Sultans both as captain and opener and he will have England's explosive James Vince (ICC Cricket World Cup winner with England's 2019 side) and South Africa's Rilee Rossouw (HBL PSL winner with Quetta Gladiators).
The Wild Card Platinum category pick Zeeshan Ashraf has the capability of hitting some big sixes at the top of the innings too. The Best Batsman of the National T20 2019-20 2nd XI tournament can be a surprise package for Sultans. The ever green Afridi can also be called-up anytime to provide fireworks with the bat depending on the situation of the match.
With the spoils equally shared between the two teams so far, the HBL PSL 2020 has the potential of adding more thrilling moments in the United v Sultans rivalry. All followers should keep an eye on this rivalry, which possesses all the potential to shape into big.
Squads:
Islamabad United: Platinum - Shadab Khan (captain), Dale Steyn and Colin Ingram; Diamond - Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali and Colin Munro; Gold - Luke Ronchi, Hussain Talat and Rumman Raees; Silver - Amad Butt, Musa Khan, Rizwan Hussain, Zafar Gohar and Phil Salt; Emerging - Akif Javed and Ahmed Safi Abdullah; Supplementary - Saif Badar and Dawid Malan (Silver).
Multan Sultans: Platinum - Mohammad Irfan, Moeen Ali and Rilee Rossouw; Diamond - Shahid Afridi, Zeeshan Ashraf and Ravi Bopara; Gold - James Vince, Junaid Khan and Sohail Tanvir; Silver - Ali Shafiq, Shan Masood (captain), Khushdil Shah, Usman Qadir, Fabian Allen (from 7th March) and Wayne Madesn (till 7th March); Emerging - Mohammad Ilyas and Rohail Nazir; Supplementary - Imran Tahir and Bilawal Bhatti.
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