PSL 9: Islamabad United’s Strengths, Weaknesses, And Key Element
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Leadership and Squad
Islamabad United, led by star all-rounder Shadab Khan, anticipates clinching another PSL title. The squad boasts national stars like Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, and Ubaid Shah. Karachi Kings’ Imad Wasim has also joined the team, with Azam Khan, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, and Faheem Ashraf maintaining their presence.
PSL 9 Squad:
| Shadab Khan (c) | Naseem Shah | Imad Wasim | Azam Khan | Faheem Ashraf |
| Alex Hales | Colin Munro | Rumman Raees | Tymal Mills | Matthew Forde |
| Salman Agha | Qasim Akram | Shahab Khan | Hunain Shah | Ubaid Shah |
| Shamyl Hussain | Tom Curran | Jordan Cox | Haider Ali | Obed McCoy |
Historical Performance
Islamabad United, a two-time PSL champion, aims to break their recent finals drought. Despite their historical success, recent seasons have seen them narrowly miss out on title opportunities. With a blend of experienced and emerging players, they are eager to turn the tide.
| PSL Edition | Year | Position finished |
| 1 | 2016 | Champions |
| 2 | 2017 | 4th |
| 3 | 2018 | Champions |
| 4 | 2019 | 3rd |
| 5 | 2020 | 6th (Last) |
| 6 | 2021 | 3rd |
| 7 | 2022 | 3rd |
| 8 | 2023 | 3rd |
Pace Bowling Reinforcement:
Having addressed past issues with fast-bowling options, Islamabad United, led by Naseem Shah, boasts a diverse pace attack, including Tymal Mills, Rumman Raees, Ubaid Shah, and Hunain Shah. The addition of Faheem Ashraf, Matthew Forde, and Obed McCoy provides depth and flexibility, minimizing vulnerability to injuries.
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average |
| Naseem Shah | 88 | 87 | 28 |
| Tymal Mills | 162 | 213 | 22.2 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 175 | 170 | 27.32 |
| Obed McCoy | 97 | 124 | 22.78 |
| Rumman Raees | 116 | 126 | 24.75 |
| Matthew Forde | 24 | 28 | 17.28 |
Aggressive Batting Lineup:
Known for their aggressive batting, Islamabad United features top-order powerhouses Alex Hales and Colin Munro, complemented by Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, and Jordan Cox. Local talents like Salman Agha, Haider Ali, and Qasim Akram add versatility to their batting strategies.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
| Jordan Cox | 100 | 2070 | 29.57 | 137.35 |
| Shadab Khan | 265 | 2627 | 18.63 | 135.69 |
| Haider Ali | 126 | 2402 | 22.03 | 133.81 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 175 | 1516 | 17.22 | 141.41 |
| Azam Khan | 148 | 2957 | 25.05 | 146.02 |
| Alex Hales | 438 | 12149 | 30.07 | 146.74 |
| Qasim Akram | 54 | 755 | 20.40 | 126.04 |
| Colin Munro | 418 | 10635 | 30.38 | 141.32 |
| Salman Agha | 63 | 777 | 17.65 | 111.95 |
Weaknesses
Spin Bowling Concerns:
While traditionally strong in spin, Islamabad United faces challenges in the spin department. Skipper Shadab Khan’s current form slump and injury concerns raise questions. Imad Wasim’s integration into the team adds uncertainty to the spin bowling dynamics.
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average | Economy Rate |
| Shadab Khan | 265 | 292 | 23.79 | 7.45 |
| Salman Agha | 63 | 35 | 21.60 | 6.76 |
| Imad Wasim | 335 | 305 | 24.70 | 6.59 |
| Qasim Akram | 54 | 24 | 23.66 | 7.42 |
Emerging Star – Ubaid Shah:
Seventeen-year-old pacer Ubaid Shah, a standout performer in the U-19 World Cup, adds excitement to Islamabad United’s lineup. With 18 wickets in the tournament, Ubaid Shah earned a spot in the U-19 Team of the World Cup 2024. Alongside premier pacer Naseem Shah, Ubaid Shah brings a potent bowling combination to the team.
In summary, Islamabad United enters PSL 9 with a balanced squad, aiming to overcome past shortcomings and secure another championship. The team’s blend of experience and emerging talent, coupled with strategic batting and a diverse pace attack, positions them as strong contenders in the upcoming season.
