Islamabad United are the only side to win the HBL Pakistan Super League title twice. They were the inaugural winners in 2016 and recorded their second title win in 2018 when they defeated Peshawar Zalmi by three wickets in Karachi.
When the eighth edition of the HBL PSL kicks off, United would be hoping to add Supernova Trophy to their cabinet. They begin their journey on February 16 against Karachi Kings at the latter’s home.
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Batting depth:
United’s formula is to fill their top-order with foreign players, and this time they have tried to add more depth to it by keeping in mind who is available at what juncture of the tournament.
Islamabad United have always banked on their batting depth, which allows to them play aggressive brand of cricket.
Paul Sterling and Alex Hales make an explosive duo at the top to attack the opposition from the get go like Luke Ronchi used to do for them in the past.
If their opening pair wasn’t explosive enough, they have Azam Khan and Asif Ali in their ranks, who are one of the finest hitters in world cricket.
The most exciting addition to their squad is their emerging pick, Hassan Nawaz, who has already made quite a fan base for himself with his classy knocks in the last edition of Kashmir Premier League.
Amongst the fast bowlers, they have all-rouder Faheem Ashraf, Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson, who all have the ability to bat. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr have also showed their hitting prowess in different stages of their career.
Hence, they have players who can bat till number 10, which perfectly suits their brand of cricket.
Bowling Depth:
The all-rounder abilities of Shadab Khan will play a vital role for United this season. Shadab was particularly exceptional with the ball in last year’s T20 World Cup and now has an able ally in Abrar Ahmed to partner with. Abrar has been in great form since the start of the season, being the highest wicket taker in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which ultimately got him selected in Pakistan’s Test squad. Abrar would be looking to continue his rich vein of form in the shortest form of the game and form a dangerous spin duo with his captain.
In the spin all-round depth, they also have Zafar Gohar, Moeen Ali, Mubasir Khan, who can provide good support.
Young Talent:
In terms of fast-bowling, United have an exciting young talent in Zeeshan Zameer, who bowled only 15 balls in the last edition, but he made an impact as he troubled and picked the wicket of Babar Azam.
The form of Hasan Ali might be a little concern for them, but they have decent backups in Wasim Jnr and Faheem Ashraf, who have performed well recently in Bangladesh Premier League and Big Bash League respectively.
To cover the left-arm fast bowling, they have brought back their loyal and experienced pacer, Rumman Raees, who can replace Fazal-e-Haq Farooqi, who is not available for the first few matches, and towards the end they have the services of experienced English pacer Tymal Mills.
Islamabad United Squad:
Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Colin Munro, Paul Stirling, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abrar Ahmed, Sohaib Maqsood, Rumman Raees, Zeeshan Zamir, Hassan Nawaz, Moeen Ali (available from March 14), Mubasir Khan, Tom Curran, Zafar Gohar, Gus Atkinson (partial replacement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz), Tymal Mills (partial replacement for Alex Hales), Rassie van der Dussen (partial replacement for Moeen Ali)
Probable XI
Alex Hales, Paul Stirling, Rassie van der Dussen, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan, Asif Ali, Wasim Jr, Faheem Ashraf, Tom Curran, Hasan Ali, Zeeshan Zameer
Fixtures: