PSL 2020 l Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars | Karachi | Final | 17 November | Pre-Match Thread

[The Viper]

It promises to be an exciting Final.

Sone exciting matchups to look forward to such as Babar vs Shaheen.

What changes, if any, should be made?

 

[The Viper]

David Wiese post match comments

“We had a nice partnership at the end. Their spinners bowled well but we tried to hang in there and put some pressure on their death bowlers and it worked out.

“We summed up the conditions quickly and knew we won’t blow them away, length was important and you had to adjust and think on your feet. Thankfully it worked out.

“It’s going to be a massive game against Karachi. It would’ve been awesome if we could have had a packed house here but I’m sure everyone in Lahore will be supporting us. Hopefully we’ve got one more big performance in us.”

Regarding the Karachi vs Lahore Final

"Its a surreal feeling at this stage; I dont think anyone gave us a chance at the start of the tournament to be in the final; We are just gonna enjoy this moment; I dont think we to look too far ahead, as tomorrow we can have our meetings and plan; You know its not every day you make it to the final so its important to enjoy these situations; so definitely go to the changing room and enjoy the time with the boys and tomorrow the hard work starts again"

 

[The Viper]

Sohail Akhtar's post match comments

“It means a lot for us. We have been working hard for 5 years. LQ are working for a big cause, searching for talent in Pakistan so it will be a big deal for the youngsters in Pakistan.

“Our 3 fast-bowlers are 140+ with variations and I think we can defend any total because of that.

“We have momentum and we will try to continue in the same way, focus on our basics. We have depth in batting and bowling and will give a tough time in the final.”

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I find both teams pretty unlikeable mainly due to the antics of the respective owners. Rana Fawad I find incredibly annoying. The Owner should be calm and stay away from limelight instead of dancing and becoming an internet meme. On the other hand, Salman Iqbal is already not a very likeable for some reason.

Being from Islamabad, my loyalty lies with IU despite the presence of Sir Fahim Ashraf.

I want Karachi to do well just because of the ever lovable Babar Azam and a tribute to Deano. I don't like either Sharjeel or Wasim Akram as persons. Wasim has turned down coaching deals for Pakistan senior atleast 6 or 7 times while he had no problem in taking up a temporary job as a bowling coach for SL or KKR. Meanwhile Waqar has always preferred coaching Pakistan team even though he may not be a good coach. But that tells a lot about passion of a person for their team.
Imad showed extreme resilience the other day the semi, by finishing off the match while wickets were going down and momentum that had been shifting towards MS with every passing ball.
I like such strong characters who always give their best and wear their hearts on sleeves.

On the other hand, for LQ, the most likeable thing is Shaheen, the only bowler in Pak cricket who can stand up and say give me the ball and I will turn the match around. Head and shoulders above the rest and not cocky or boastful about it. Dilbar Hussain is also a positive find, I feel like he has a good bowling brain and is a hard working sensible cricketer. Looks well educated as well although I don't know.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

I respect Lahore's hustle in getting to the final, but if they win, it'll be a feather in the cap for Aquib Have a, when it's been individual performances rather than intelligent squad building that's got them here. The squad, with Jaahid Ali, Abid Ali etc is shocking. Cant back a team like that.

Karachi, atleast have the incentive to win it for Deano. I'd love for them to win it and then send the trophy to Deano's family as a tribute.

In closing, I have to say, the squad building from both Multan and Karachi has been quality this tournament.

 

[Rana]

Imagine Lahore have to rest Shaheen and replace him with Shinwari, whilst Karachi comes under severe outside pressure and have to drop a player to accommodate Rizwan.

The quality of the final will drop down drastically!

 

[Hasan123]

I would prefer for Lahore to win but as long as we get a good game that's all that matters.

 

[Rana]

Still not sure what Faizan does? Is he a batsman or a bowler?

 

[naseem]

Lahore v Karachi is good 4 PSL....Lahore victory will benefit PSL massively..too...but Karachi has BAbar....

 

[Ertugrul_Bey]

I want Karachi to win but Lahore has the momentum to go through the final hurdle. Babar will be the key for Karachi. If Lahore batting clicks, nothing can stop them from winning their first title.

 

[The Viper]

Still not sure what Faizan does? Is he a batsman or a bowler?

Seems like a specialist fielder!

Feel sorry for the guy though, he is a bowler, but I guess they don't trust him.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Seems like a specialist fielder!

Feel sorry for the guy though, he is a bowler, but I guess they don't trust him.

It’s interesting that he’s a specialist emerging player, only there to fulfill the quota. I wonder if they could have made a more worthwhile investment in any other emerging pick such as Zeeshan Malik, Abdullah Shafique, and so on.

 

[naseem]

It’s interesting that he’s a specialist emerging player, only there to fulfill the quota. I wonder if they could have made a more worthwhile investment in any other emerging pick such as Zeeshan Malik, Abdullah Shafique, and so on.

They could have Qadir.....he won't get a game in Multan ..for sure

 

[KyoOne]

As much as I want Karachi to win, they have horrible overseas players, apart from A Hales.

Rutherford, Walton and Parnell all are poor batsmen (and bowler as well in case of Parnell). None of them have scored even 20 in their last 10 innings.

And then they choose to play Chacha Ifti and Arshad Iqbal over Amer Yamin and Umer Khan. And bench Delport to play poor overseas players.

Brainless decisions, which would cost them the final

 

[MHN1293]

My playing XI for karachi would be
1.babar azam
2.sharjeel khan
3.alex hales
4.cameron delport
5.chadwick walton.
6.ifthikhar ahmed
7.imad wasim
8.aamir yamin
9.muhammad amir
10.waqas maqsood or arshad iqbal
11.umer khan
With this u have got 5 primary batsmen,a spinner with 2 spin allrounder and 2 pacers with a pace allrounder, dependimg on wether conditions support pace umaid asif can be played instead of ifti.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

They should have played the games over the weekend as it would have gained a lot more viewers.

Oh well now there is nothing that can be done about it anyways.

 

[Rana]

My playing XI for karachi would be
1.babar azam
2.sharjeel khan
3.alex hales
4.cameron delport
5.chadwick walton.
6.ifthikhar ahmed
7.imad wasim
8.aamir yamin
9.muhammad amir
10.waqas maqsood or arshad iqbal
11.umer khan
With this u have got 5 primary batsmen,a spinner with 2 spin allrounder and 2 pacers with a pace allrounder, dependimg on wether conditions support pace umaid asif can be played instead of ifti.

Shane Rutherford will definitely play

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Karachi's final to lose. They seem stronger.

 

[Rana]

Seems like a specialist fielder!

Feel sorry for the guy though, he is a bowler, but I guess they don't trust him.

Surely they have a batsman in the emerging player category?

 

[Tubs]

Dunk is due a big score, such a wholesome guy too, was nice to see him mention how hard this year is. Can't count on Wiese this time I feel, he has contributed in the last 2 matches with the bat. I would say Fakhar is due a big score, but he's Fakhar...

The more I look at it, the more I feel Karachi have this easily, and as a Lahore fan it sucks haha. Amir showed his class last match, and Babar was fabulous as always. I will say that aside from Babar, Hales and Imad, Karachi's batting seems a bit out-of-sorts, but if those 3 fire then that doesn't really matter.

I haven't given up hope yet, but Lahore certainly have their backs against the wall!

 

[Rana]

Dunk is due a big score, such a wholesome guy too, was nice to see him mention how hard this year is. Can't count on Wiese this time I feel, he has contributed in the last 2 matches with the bat. I would say Fakhar is due a big score, but he's Fakhar...

The more I look at it, the more I feel Karachi have this easily, and as a Lahore fan it sucks haha. Amir showed his class last match, and Babar was fabulous as always. I will say that aside from Babar, Hales and Imad, Karachi's batting seems a bit out-of-sorts, but if those 3 fire then that doesn't really matter.

I haven't given up hope yet, but Lahore certainly have their backs against the wall!

Our Captain is due a big score as well.

Get ready for the Sultan Rahi of cricket captains to score a 30 ball 80 tonight!!

 

[Tubs]

Our Captain is due a big score as well.

Get ready for the Sultan Rahi of cricket captains to score a 30 ball 80 tonight!!

I'm really sorry but I'm far too westernised to get that reference!

 

[BigShak]

Fakhar always turns up in finals. No chance for Karachi.

 

[MenInG]

Karachi and Lahore chase history in dream HBL PSL 2020 final clash

• “We are going to play the final for Dean Jones who was a father-like figure in our dressing room,” says Imad Wasim

• “We will aim to give the best possible gift, the HBL PSL trophy, to our fans, who have stood by us for five seasons,” says Sohail Akhtar

• HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 title clash to start at 8pm at the National Stadium on Tuesday


Karachi, 16 November 2020:

A dream final line-up of Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, a wish of millions of HBL Pakistan Super League fans since its inception, is now true as the two rivals play for the coveted and prestigious trophy at the National Stadium in what should be an epic final on Tuesday night.

After an eight-month Covid-19-enforced break following the end of the group-stage, the HBL PSL playoffs began on Saturday with a thrilling Qualifier, between table-toppers Multan Sultans and Kings. Kings, helped by a stunning bowling performance of Mohammad Amir in the Super Over, held their nerves to book a place in the final.

Qalandars brushed aside Peshawar Zalmi by five wickets in the Eliminator 1 on the back of an unbeaten 74 by Mohammad Hafeez after which David Wiese’s all-round exploits helped the side, who had finished at the bottom of the table in each of the first four seasons, seal a berth in the final with a convincing 25-run win over Sultans in Eliminator 2.

This is the first time these two sides are featuring in a HBL PSL final.

Both sides flaunt top T20 cricketers who have played an integral role in their progression over the course of the tournament.

Karachi Kings’ Babar Azam dominates the chart for the highest run-getters. He sits at the top with 410 runs at a staggering average of 51.25. He has the most fifties in the tournament to date and his 48 fours are the most hit by any batsman in this edition. Babar also holds the distinction of being the highest run scorer in T20 cricket this year with 1,179 runs at 53.59.

Alex Hales is another batsman who has been at his destructive best as he has stroked 261 runs at an average of over 52 and a strike rate just under 152.

Mohammad Amir, fresh after delivering an immaculate Super Over, will spearhead Kings’ bowling attack. With 10 wickets in a many matches, he is his side’s leading wicket-taker this edition. The left-arm pacer has an economy rate of 7.44.

Qalandars pace attack is led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has had an impressive run in the shorter format in T20 cricket. The left-arm quick leads the list of bowlers with most wickets with 17 scalps at just 17.70 runs per dismissal and an impressive economy of seven.

He is joined by pace-sensation Haris Rauf, who has the most T20 wickets – 50 at an average of 19.48 – in 2020. All-rounder David Wiese and Dilbar Hussain with 12 wickets each are locked at the fourth spot.

Qalandars boast a strong batting unit with Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman and Ben Dunk –placed second, third and fourth, respectively, in the list of top run-getters this season. All three batsmen have scored two half-centuries.

Hafeez has 310 runs at 44.28, while Fakhar Zaman has scored 298 runs at 27.09. Dunk, who has struck most sixes this edition (23), has scored 289 runs at a blistering strike rate of 175 and an average of over 41.

The eagerly anticipated final that will determine a new champion is set to be watched and followed by millions of fans across the globe and in Pakistan on PTV Sports and Geo Super. Around the world, the broadcast will be beamed on Hum Masala in the UK, Sky New Zealand and Eurosport India.


Both captains are eagerly looking forward to the historic occasion.

Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim: “It is going to be a big game. I am sure it is not only me, but players in both teams are excited for this contest.

“We played good cricket in the Qualifier but couldn’t finish it off how we wanted to but we are glad that we are in the finals. We are going to go out there express ourselves and I am hopeful we will win the trophy.

“We are going to play the final for Dean Jones who was a father-like figure in our dressing room and a great influence on our team. We want to dedicate the trophy to him, which is an additional motivation for the entire squad.

“We are really looking forward to what is our first HBL PSL final.”

Lahore Qalandars captain Sohail Akhtar: “It's a big achievement to reach the final. The belief that was there for five years has paid off. Our fans have stood by us for five years and now is the time to give them the best possible gift by winning the trophy.

“We will try to build on the momentum we have had and the key for success in the final will be to stick to the basics in both batting and bowling departments.

“Playing the final against Karachi in their own backyard is a massive occasion and I am sure it will have a huge following on TV and social media. We are really excited and looking forward to the game."

Head to Head:

History favours Kings in the Head to Head between the two sides.

Kings and Qalandars have met on 10 occasions in the HBL PSL with Kings winning six matches.

Qalandars have won three matches plus have an additional victory under their belt, courtesy an exciting Super Over finish in a 2018 edition group-match played in Dubai.

This edition, the two sides shared their two games with Qalandars winning at home (Gaddafi Stadium) by eight wickets and Kings recorded a crushing 10-wicket win at the National Stadium in the return group-stage fixture.

 

[Rana]

I'm really sorry but I'm far too westernised to get that reference!

Sultan Rahi is an iconic Punjabi actor who is known for playing the role of the fictional cult hero Maula Jatt. A barbaric, brutal man with zero physical aesthetic prowess, but a surreal authority in trash talk, and the power of 5 Bulls in one!

Today our Maula Jatt will deliver the trophy to Lahore...after winning the toss and electing to field...and then hoping to set a target of 150+. It will make no sense but it does to The Sultan Rahi of Franchise captains!

 

[choudhary6964]

I find both teams pretty unlikeable mainly due to the antics of the respective owners. Rana Fawad I find incredibly annoying. The Owner should be calm and stay away from limelight instead of dancing and becoming an internet meme. On the other hand, Salman Iqbal is already not a very likeable for some reason.

Being from Islamabad, my loyalty lies with IU despite the presence of Sir Fahim Ashraf.

I want Karachi to do well just because of the ever lovable Babar Azam and a tribute to Deano. I don't like either Sharjeel or Wasim Akram as persons. Wasim has turned down coaching deals for Pakistan senior atleast 6 or 7 times while he had no problem in taking up a temporary job as a bowling coach for SL or KKR. Meanwhile Waqar has always preferred coaching Pakistan team even though he may not be a good coach. But that tells a lot about passion of a person for their team.
Imad showed extreme resilience the other day the semi, by finishing off the match while wickets were going down and momentum that had been shifting towards MS with every passing ball.
I like such strong characters who always give their best and wear their hearts on sleeves.

On the other hand, for LQ, the most likeable thing is Shaheen, the only bowler in Pak cricket who can stand up and say give me the ball and I will turn the match around. Head and shoulders above the rest and not cocky or boastful about it. Dilbar Hussain is also a positive find, I feel like he has a good bowling brain and is a hard working sensible cricketer. Looks well educated as well although I don't know.

Dilbar Hussain used to be a farmer he comes from a humble background.He bowls with brain and uses variation very well.He can be very useful in T20is.

 

[Khan12]

Imagine Lahore have to rest Shaheen and replace him with Shinwari, whilst Karachi comes under severe outside pressure and have to drop a player to accommodate Rizwan.

The quality of the final will drop down drastically!

They can just drop Walton who averages 3 and 6 in international cricket so the quality won't be affected in fact it will be higher.

 

[choudhary6964]

If Lahore can handle amir well they will win the match as other Karachi bowlers are quite mediocre.Lahore dass deyo Karachi walyan nu.

 

[The Viper]

Surely they have a batsman in the emerging player category?

They only have Faizan in the emerging category. Earlier in the season they used Dilbar as emerging I think. Poor planning, they should have picked an emerging player outside of their development programs.

 

[silent ischemia]

Karachi vs Lahore
Wow. It doesn't get bigger than this.
Two mega cities; two different cultures;
Its like.....
Jinnah vs Iqbal
British colonial architecture vs Mughal architecture
IBA vs LUMS, AKU vs KEMU, NED vs UET
Baryani vs Nihari
Shahrah e Faisal vs Mall Road
Saddar vs Anarkali
And now .....
Babar vs Shaheen &
Amir vs Hafeez

 

[shamaan]

My heart says lohare
My head says Karachi

Either way pakistan best two performers are playing in the final babar vs shaheen should be good battle

 

[The Viper]

<a href="https://ibb.co/HXqBvJ5"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/SJB5TLF/d0704224-2fe0-436a-ad77-d58cea7803f1.jpg" alt="d0704224-2fe0-436a-ad77-d58cea7803f1" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/5Bp0XFY"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/jg0N9RV/03915b68-a7d0-474b-bb14-e4801f2de538.jpg" alt="03915b68-a7d0-474b-bb14-e4801f2de538" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/d0nkjJ1"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/wNDpBr3/6f496ceb-583a-4b79-b54d-bdbda94fb81a.jpg" alt="6f496ceb-583a-4b79-b54d-bdbda94fb81a" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/8gCX2gR"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/s9ftQ9D/02f9f4c1-d154-4549-ba11-92b62e77f106.jpg" alt="02f9f4c1-d154-4549-ba11-92b62e77f106" border="0"></a>

 

[Rayyman]

Supporting Karachi and they have Pakistan's 3 best players in T20Is. Babar (best batsman), Amir (best bowler), and Imad (best all-rounder).

Lahore though have an explosive batting lineup with Fakhar, Hafeez and Dunk. Not to mention the improving Shaheen and the fiery Haris Rauf as their frontline bowlers.

Hopefully it will be a high quality match even though I might miss it depending on what time my exam ends.

 

[Ahson8]

Fakhar always turns up in finals. No chance for Karachi.

So does Amir.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Supporting Karachi and they have Pakistan's 3 best players in T20Is. Babar (best batsman), Amir (best bowler), and Imad (best all-rounder).

Lahore though have an explosive batting lineup with Fakhar, Hafeez and Dunk. Not to mention the improving Shaheen and the fiery Haris Rauf as their frontline bowlers.

Hopefully it will be a high quality match even though I might miss it depending on what time my exam ends.

On current form, Hafeez is a better batsman than Babar while Shaheen and Rauf are better bowlers than Amir.

The real question marks that can turn this tide either way are Sharjeel, Hales, etc if they perform, Karachi has the game in the bag.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Interesting stat.

Out of the 22 players playing tomorrow, only 1 player will be from either Karachi or Lahore (Babar Azam).

The rest 21 are from other regions/countries.

 

[The Viper]

I can see Shaheen getting Sharjeel out cheaply.

Babar and Hales will need to score big for Karachi.

 

[Caved12]

Tomorrow's weather for Karachi looks terrible as there's a storm coming with the speed of 145k plus. It will hit them at 3(Shaheen, Rauf and Dilbar) different times and will destroy Karachi Kings tomorrow.

 

[SM1989]

I have a feeling like most psl finals this will end up being a dull one sided game

 

[Deewana Mastana]

I have a feeling like most psl finals this will end up being a dull one sided game

Let's just hope it does not end up being another one.

 

[Mueez]

Qalandar Lahore Qalandar

 

[MenInG]

Peshawar Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi & Director Cricket Muhammad Akram Message for PSL Final

Congratulations to both Karachi and Lahore franchises for reaching the finals.
Well deserved .
Salute to their patience , dedication and perseverance and contribution for Pakistan cricket.

They have waited for four years.
All the best to both finalists.

 

[Rana]

I have a feeling like most psl finals this will end up being a dull one sided game

Really hope not. A lot of bragging rights at stake here.

 

[DHONI183]

On the fence on this one, just want a cracking final. I say this because a good, tight final is what the PSL has been missing out on in all the editions, from what I remember.

A couple of predictions, a tight final, Karachi are winning it, and Lahore are running away with it if it turns out to be a one-sided affair. Also, Sharjeel`s could be a massive wicket, I get the feeling.

Good luck to both the teams!

Tomorrow's weather for Karachi looks terrible as there's a storm coming with the speed of 145k plus. It will hit them at 3(Shaheen, Rauf and Dilbar) different times and will destroy Karachi Kings tomorrow.

The start of your post almost caused me a mini heart-attack!

 

[Tubs]

Sultan Rahi is an iconic Punjabi actor who is known for playing the role of the fictional cult hero Maula Jatt. A barbaric, brutal man with zero physical aesthetic prowess, but a surreal authority in trash talk, and the power of 5 Bulls in one!

Today our Maula Jatt will deliver the trophy to Lahore...after winning the toss and electing to field...and then hoping to set a target of 150+. It will make no sense but it does to The Sultan Rahi of Franchise captains!

Hahaha, I love it! After a bit of Googling, it all makes sense.

Ahhhh, I can't wait!