PSL 2019 Team Profile: All you need to know about Islamabad United

Waseem Ahmed 15:30 11/02/2019
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  • Islamabad United are two-time champions of the PSL.

    The fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is fast approaching as the clock ticks down to the season opener in the UAE.

    The six PSL franchises will once again battle it out for the crown of Pakistan’s best in the T20 extravaganza spread over the course of five weeks.

    Ahead of a mouthwatering edition of T20 action, we profile the defending champions Islamabad United, who have won the crown twice in their history.

    ISLAMABAD UNITED

    Squad

    Mohammad Sami (C), Luke Ronchi, Sahibzada Farhan, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Zafar Gohar, Waqas Maqsood, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan, Ian Bell, Philip Salt, Cameron Delport, Samit Patel, Muhammad Musa, Wayne Parnell, Zahir Khan, Amad Butt, Rizwan Hussain, Nasir Nawaz.

    Skipper – Mohammad Sami

    The two-time champions will be led by former Pakistan international Sami, who is the second highest wicket-taker in the league’s history.

    Past performances

    The Islamabad outfit are the most successful franchise in the tournament’s history and won the inaugural edition in 2016 before capturing their second title in 2018. They were eliminated in the playoffs in 2017 to finish fourth.

    Coach – Dean Jones

    The former Australia international has been at the helm of the team since the inaugural edition in 2016 and will take charge for the fourth year in a row.

    Key players – Luke Ronchi (New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman), Shadab Khan (Pakistan spin all-rounder), Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan seam all-rounder)

    Shadab Khan will be a key player for Islamabad.

    Shadab Khan will be a key player for Islamabad.

    Strengths

    In Shadab, Faheem, Sahibzada Farhan, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat and Rumman Raees, Islamabad have plenty of exciting Pakistan-capped youngsters in the squad who are capable to being match-winners on their day. They also have Ronchi in tow who was the highest run-getter in the 2018 edition.

    Weakness

    While their domestic contingent is one of the strongest, the international picks leave plenty to be desired in the form of former England batsman Ian Bell, now 36, and South African duo Cameron Delport and Wayne Parnell. Finding the right balance between the domestic and international players will be key for Islamabad.

    Prediction – Playoffs

    It could prove to be a tough title defence for Islamabad United with plenty of other franchises strengthening massively. They should be good to make the playoffs at least from where onwards it will be anybody’s game.

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