Islamabad United v Multan Sultans: Match preview, team news, odds, TV information, prediction

Get ready for the third match of the new Pakistan Super League season with The Cricketer's match preview...

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PSL 2021: Players to watch

PSL 2021: Things to watch

What’s the match?

Two-time winners Islamabad United take on Multan Sultans in the third match of the 2021 Pakistan Super League.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled for 7pm PST (2pm GMT) on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

Where is the match being played?

This game will take place in the national stadium in Karachi, where all PSL 6 matches are being staged until March 7. At that point, the tournament moves to Lahore.

This is due to Covid-19 protocols being implemented by tournament organisers. 

Who’s got the form?

Neither side have a particularly formidable recent record coming into this one.

Sultans finished top of the PSL group but upon the resumption were a different team, and twice failed to reach a final which for so long had looked like a formality.

United meanwhile had a watching brief after finishing sixth in the group, following three wins from 10

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Who to watch?

Alex Hales (T20 Player Index No.20) might be the player to watch of the whole tournament, given how he dominated the BBL and is being spoken about for an England recall.

Indeed, United will be relying on a core of English talent to inspire them with Phil Salt and Lewis Gregory. Paul Stirling meanwhile is in the form of his life after staring for Ireland and then Team Abu Dhabi in the T10 League.

Sultans have an embarrassment of riches but will be looking forward to welcoming Chris Lynn. He missed the playoffs due to his participation in the Indian Premier League and will be eager to go all the way in 2021.

Mohammad Rizwan's form of Pakistan in the recent South Africa series - including scores of 104*, 51 and 42 - is an exciting indicator ahead of the competition

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Any major team news?

Paul Stirling is set for a PSL debut for United after they were stripped of their batting line-up in the off-season. Both sides are expected to be full strength for their opening game.

Are fans allowed in?

Yes, PSL 6 matches are operating at 20 per cent capacity in 2021, with stringent Covid-19 precautionary measures in place. Fans will have to wear a mask in the stands, and groups may only consist of members of one household, for example.

Who are the umpires?

Richard Illingworth and Ahsan Raza

Aleem Dar (third umpire)

Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire)

Roshan Mahanama (match referee)

Full PSL umpire appointments - click here

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Shadab Khan will once again lead United

What’s the prediction?

United will take time to adapt to a jarring off-season and Sultans have players in form and have recruited well since being knocked out in 2020.

What are the odds? 

The bookies can barely separate the two sides on this opening weekend, with United available at 1/1 and Sultans and slight favourites at 5/6. The draw can be found at 18/1.

PSL TEAM GUIDES

Islamabad United

Karachi Kings

Lahore Qalandars

Multan Sultans

Peshawar Zalmi

Quetta Gladiators

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports will broadcast the tournament in the UK.

In Pakistan, the competition will be available on PTV Sports.

Sony Pictures Network have the rights in India.

Sony Pictures Network will also provide coverage throughout South Asia, including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Sky Sport will televise the tournament in New Zealand while SuperSport hold the rights in South Africa and the sub-Saharan region.

Willow TV have all the action for viewers in the United States and Canada. In the Caribbean, PSL 6 will be available on Flow Sports.

Streaming service Tapmad TV have the rights in Australia, MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and the rest of the world with coverage available online and via the app.

What are the squads?

Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Zafar Gohar, Hassan Ali, Lewis Gregory, Phil Salt, Rohail Nazir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Ahmed Saifi Abdullah, Paul Stirling, Ali Khan, Fawad Ahmed, Zeeshan Zameer

Multan Sultans: Shahid Afridi, Imran Tahir, James Vince, Khushdil Shah, Rilee Rossouw, Shan Masood, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir, Chris Lynn, Sohail Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Carlos Brathwaite, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohaib Ullah, Adam Lyth, Shahnawaz Dhani, Muhammad Umar, Imran Khan Sr

PSL 2021 squads

PSL 2021 fixtures

PSL 2021 umpire appointments

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