Pakistan Super League (PSL 2019) Match 5, Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 16th, 2019

Lahore Qalandars have been defined by their inconsistency over the years, finishing last in all three editions of the PSL.

After a disheartening loss to Islamabad United in the curtain raiser of PSL 4, ABD and co. are back in action as they seek to kickstart their campaign against Karachi Kings.

The Kings eked out a win courtesy of their openers and pair of left-arm seamers against Multan Sultans and would be looking to sustain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches as well.

With the pitch on the slower side, both teams will be looking to take pace off the ball and pile on the runs in the powerplay overs.

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Squads to choose from:

Karachi Kings:

Imad Wasim (C), Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Ravi Bopara, Usman Khan, Mohammad Amir, Colin Ingram, Colin Munro, Sikandar Raza, Awais Zia, Usama Mir, Aaron Summers, Sohail Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ali Imran, Abrar Ahmed, Aamir Yamin, Jaahid Ali, Ben Dunk, Liam Livingstone

Lahore Qalandars:

Mohammad Hafeez (C), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, AB de Villiers, Yasir Shah, Sohail Akhtar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rahat Ali, Agha Salman, Hassan Khan, Anton Devcich, Carlos Brathwaite, Corey Anderson, Sandeep Lamichhane, Mohammad Imran, Umair Masood, Brendan Taylor, Gohar Ali, Aizaz Cheema, Haris Rauf, David Wiese, Hardus Viljoen

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Playing XI Updates:

Karachi Kings:

Not many changes are expected for the Kings after a successful start to the tournament. Their openers, Azam and Livingstone, were at their supreme best as they guided them to a good score. Sohail Khan though was quite expensive at the end and could be replaced by Aamer Yamin.

Possible XI: Livingstone, Azam, Ingram, Bopara, Rizwan(WK), Wasim(C), Raza, Amir, Umer, Sohail and Usman Khan Shinwari.

Lahore Qalandars:

After a brilliant start from their openers, Lahore weren't able to capitalize on the platform at hand and succumbed to what was a par score against Islamabad. Their bowling looks light on options with young Shaheen Afridi having to bore a major chunk of the responsibility with the ball. The overseas players must come up with better performances if they are to even come close to winning the match against a formidable side on Saturday.

Possible XI: Akhtar, Zaman, ABD, Hafeez(C), Taylor(WK), Devcich, Brathwaithe, Yasir, Rauf, Rahat and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Brendan Taylor is coming off a good BPL season although his team, Khulna Titans weren't able to avoid the wooden spoon. He should be preferred over Mohammed Rizwan with the Pakistani being overlooked in the Karachi batting order for players who are capable of scoring runs at a faster rate. Taylor's ability to finish the innings is also a key factor in his selection.

Batsmen: AB de Villiers and Babar Azam are must haves in the fantasy side considering their recent form and ability to score big runs on what should be a competitive pitch. Along with the two superstars, Colin Ingram would be a great option to have in the side with his occasional leg-spin also thrown into the mix. Either one of Sohail Akhtar or Anton Devcich would suffice in rounding off the batting department.

All-rounders: Lahore captain, Mohammad Hafeez is due for a big score and considering the fragility of the Lahore middle order, a big knock from Hafeez is expected. His off-spin could also be vital against Colin Ingram and Liam Livingstone who aren't used to playing quality spin regularly. Imad Wasim and Carlos Brathwaite are also great options to have with their pinch hitting abilities.

Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi had an off day against Islamabad but one can back him to come back strong against Karachi. Along with him, Mohammad Amir and Usman Khan are the preferred options. To complement the trio of left-arm pacers, Rahat Ali or Yasir Shah can be considered.

Captain: AB de Villiers couldn't capitalize on his start in the first match. Although he has retired from international cricket, the South African is still one of the best in the world and should be backed to perform alongside the likes of Colin Ingram and Carlos Brathwaite.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Brendan Taylor (WK), AB de Villiers, Sohail Akhtar, Babar Azam, Colin Ingram, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Amir and Usman Khan Shinwari. Captain: AB de Villiers

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Mohammad Rizwan (WK), AB de Villiers, Anton Devcich, Colin Ingram, Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Carlos Brathwaite, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Yasir Shah and Usman Khan Shinwari. Captain: Colin Ingram