Pakistan Super League Tips Matches 16 and 17: Waiting on big-priced top-bat wins

Click here for Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars odds
Thursday 9 April, 10.30
TV: Live on Willow/Tapmad/Ary

Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars PSL Tips

This year's PSL is looking like a highly competitive affair bar the fortunes of the two new franchises. The top four currently have plenty of muscle and skill while we wait to see whether Peshawar Zalmi (who have made it onto the field once) could force their way into the reckoning.

Islamabad and Lahore are both title candidates. United have won back-to-back to end a slump which carried on from last season. Lahore have won two from three with their 20-run success over Sultans, the leaders, the most eyecatching.

United have suffered an injury ahead of this one. Pacer Mir Hamza is out with concussion after being struck by a ball in training. It was an extremely nasty incident with Hamza losing consciousness. Lahore remain without hitter Fakhar Zaman, who is serving his second game of a two-match  ban for ball tampering. Fakhar's spot went to South African Rubin Hermann who made his debut. He should continue at No 4.

Despite the loss of Fakhar, Lahore have shown no signs of abating their aggression with the bat. They were in furious mood against Sultans in a rain-shortened match.

Man for man, United may well come up short in a contest which could all be about batting power. In terms of top order, United cannot live with Lahore. But they have longevity so to speak with Chris Green batting as low as No 9. On that basis LQ should be jollies instead of a choice affair.

At some stage we do expect a lower-order big-priced winner from United. With so much traffic in the Lahore leg we were surprised it hasn't already happened. But Imad Wasim and Green are ones to watch at decent numbers. Both are 25s for this one.

Imad may be worth a follow for top United bowler. He came into the tournament with an excellent win rate and is now considerably overdue. The 9/25.50 does not take into account his potency over the last two editions.

Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi 
Thursday 9 April, 10.30
TV: Live on Willow/Tapmad/Ary

Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi PSL Tips

Kings are bang in the hunt for the top two finish which is such a coveted spot. They are second and they could well be the best side in it with three wins out of three.

However, David Warner has been charged with drink driving in Sydney on a break away from the tournament. We await to see how that plays out. He is not due back in Australia for the hearing until after the PSL has finished and is expected to be involved here.

Warner is not the sort to allow such distractions to affect his form. He remains overdue a win on the top bat markets, although he really should have won last time out against Rawalpindi with a half century. He is 12/53.40 for the win this time. 

The other player to watch out for is Kings' Hasan Ali, who is their gun bowler. Hasan is clear value for top bowler at 7/24.50 for his team. He has been picking up cheap wickets at the death and it would be remiss not to play when he should really be market jolly. 

Bookmark Betting.Betfair for cricket tips on all the big games and tournaments