The team from Islamabad United is clearly not here to take prisoners and will mount a serious challenge.

By PakPassion.net Staff (2nd February, 2016)

Full Squad : Shane Watson (AUS), Andre Russell (WI), Misbah ul Haq, Samuel Badree (WI), Mohammad Irfan, Brad Haddin (AUS), Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Sami, Khalid Latif, Babar Azam, Imran Khalid, Kamran Ghulam, Umar Amin, Sam Billings (ENG), Rumman Raees, Amad Butt

Supplementary : Ashar Zaidi, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Siddiq

Captain : Misbah-ul-Haq

Coaching Staff : Dean Jones (Head Coach)

Shane Watson is in prime form after his fantastic batting form against India and he along with Sam Billings is likely to lead the charge for Islamabad in the batting. But in the old fox Misbah-ul-Haq, the Islamabad team have someone who has seen it all. The other Pakistan interest is the very successful Babar Azam and to some extent, Sharjeel Khan who will be expected to provide some fireworks in a form of cricket where time waits for no one. Babar Azam especially will look to prove that he is the big new draw when it comes to Pakistan's new batting talent. If he can translate his recent ODI successes in T20 then it will highlight how important he can be for not only his franchise but his country.

The bowling attack more than competent and an excellent one with Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Sami providing the spark with the new ball and Shane Watson also providing some relief. As for spin the squad might struggle as there is no experienced spinner however they can look towards their new talent in the form of 20 year old Kamran Ghulam who should prove to be an excellent weapon slowish UAE pitches and who will look to propel himself with his talent on the big stage. 

Whilst wicket-keeping with an attitude will be the domain of Brad Haddin, the classy left-hander Umar Amin's experience will also come handy for the United team, the latter especially will want to prove a point to any selector watching the PSL. 

The verdict is that like others, Islamabad can also power themselves to success and anything less than a final appearance should be a disappointment, they have a very strong batting lineup and good pace attack, perhaps the spin bowling is their weakness but if everyone else performs, then they have a great chance at winning the inaugural season of Pakistan Super League.

Key Player : Shane Watson

Players to Watch : Rumman Raees, Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam

Discuss!