Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United Match Prediction: March 4, PSL 2021

Match Preview and Odds

We are halfway into this 2021 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Lahore Qalandars square off against Islamabad United in the 15^th match of the tournament. This will be the fifth game for both Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United and the National Stadium in Karachi continues to be the host.

Lahore Qalandars who were last season’s runners-up have started this tournament really well. They have won three games and lost just one. All their three wins have come while chasing and they have successfully chased down targets of 141, 179 and 187. Meanwhile, their only loss came against Multan Sultans who recorded a thumping win as they chased down 158 with 22 balls to spare.

On the other hand, Islamabad United have had a similar start. They have won both their games while chasing as well. They chased down 151 with an over to spare against Multan Sultans while they hunted down 197 against Karachi Kings. Their batting crumbled against Peshawar Zalmi and they could score just 118 which resulted in a six-wicket defeat. Moreover, they did suffer a COVID-19 setback as leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed was tested positive and Islamabad United will be hoping they can shrug that off and get back on track.

However, Islamabad United have an overwhelming head-to-head record against Lahore Qalandars and that holds them ahead as far as winning odds are concerned. The two-time champions Islamabad United have their winning odds placed at 1.742 while Lahore Qalandars have the odds of 2.088 to win this game.

Match Predictions

Both teams have had a rousing start to this sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League. Both Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United have been excellent while chasing while they have lost games while batting first. Thus, it may well come down to the toss once again as it has in every game of the season so far. All the games that have been played in this PSL 2021 so far have been won by teams batting second. But given the head to head record, Islamabad United might be slightly ahead.

Summary

The head-to-head record is skewed heavily in favour of Islamabad United. The two teams have played 10 games against each other and Islamabad United have won eight games and Lahore Qalandars have won just two. In fact, Lahore Qalandars have beaten Islamabad United only in one season – 2017 where they won both their league stage games. In all other seasons, Islamabad United have won both the league stage encounters.