IU vs KK 1st Eliminator Match Prediction

IU vs KK Team Previews

Islamabad United

One of the key reasons why Islamabad United have been consistent across all seasons in the PSL is the depth in their batting order. The likes of Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf can tonk the around right from the word go despite coming so down in the order.

Just as the last time, Luke Ronchi has played an instrumental role in their success so far. Lonchi is third on the list of tournament's top-scorers and will be looking to produce another impactful knock in the upcoming match. Besides Ronchi, Cameron Delport has played an important part for them and he will be itching to come out in the middle after that scintillating performance against Lahore Qalandars wherein he scored the fastest ever century in PSL.

With Alex Hales set to join them following the conclusion of England's tour of West Indies, their batting lineup is only strengthened. He is likely to replace Phillip Salt in the lineup.

Contrary to Karachi Kings, Islamabad United's bowling attack is a little light on wicket-taking ability with Faheem Ashraf being their only bowler who has bowled reliably throughout the tournament. There will be immense pressure on him to not only produce a decent performance himself but also guide the other young local bowlers to bowl in good areas. It will be a good test for their bowling attack and if they are able to complement their power-packed batting unit, it's going to be a nail-biting encounter.

Karachi Kings

Karachi Kings had a sedate start to the competition but slowly picked up the pace as the tournament progressed and became the last team to secure a playoff spot with a climatic one-run win over the Gladiators. In their last match, however, the Kings were dealt with a heavy 61-run win by Darren Sammy's Peshawar Zalmi.

On paper, Karachi's batting lineup is second to none - perhaps the best in the tournament. Colin Ingram, Babar Azam, and Liam Livingstone are in the list of top-five run-scorers in this edition which speaks volumes about the performances by their batting unit. Having said that, their performances often haven't turned the match Karachi's way which will definitely be a cause of concern for the management.

The return of Usman Shinwari has certainly bolstered their bowling unit comprising of Mohammad Amir and Umer Khan. Umer Khan has impressed one and all and is fourth in the top wicket-takers chart for the season. Even though Imad Wasim hasn't been amongst the wickets, he has bowled with an impressive economy rate of under seven.

All in all, despite being one of the most formidable units in the tournament, consistency has been a key aspect where Kings have been found wanting. Both their batting and bowling have failed to secure points as far as producing consistent performances is concerned and if they manage to put their best foot forward in the upcoming contest, it's not going to be easy for the defending champions.