Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United Preview & Tips - Zalmi to take their place in the PSL grand final

Islamabad United just about finished in second this season as they took advantage of beating Multan Sultans as they jumped ahead of them in the standings. 

Zalmi have won five of their last 10 against United, with the latter managing to secure wins in the other five. 

Peshawar Zalmi's perfect run in their completed PSL matches came to an end in their final group game as they were well beaten by Lahore Qalandars in a six-wicket loss. 

In their last outing they trundled to 199/4 in their 20 overs as they struggled to really click into gear. Michael Bracewell's 83 from 45 looked to have dragged Zalmi to a competitive score, but a pitch that saw only eight of the 20 wickets fall allowed Qalandars to storm to 200/4 with three deliveries to spare. In truth, Qalandars deserved the win as they managed the game better. 

Despite their defeat in their last match, I am backing Zalmi to get back to winning ways immediately. They have been the best side in the tournament by some distance this year with a four point lead over United in second not flattering them. I back them to prove their quality as the battle to the win. 

Islamabad United snuck into second place in the Pakistan Super League as their four-wicket win over Multan Sultans ensured they would take the place of the latter in the qualifier. 

This was their second successive league win after they hammered Hyderabad Kingsmen by eight wickets in the game before. Against the Kingsmen, it was their bowling that shone as they skittled their opponents for just 80 runs. Against the Sultans, the whole team performed as they restricted their opponents to 192/7 before cruising to the win with eight deliveries and four wickets to spare.

While IU have looked good in their last two, I predict that they will struggle in the qualifier. PZ have been the best team this season by some distance, and I predict that United will have to try to make it to the final by going the long way after losing this match.