National T20 Cup 2019, Semi-final 2: Balochistan v Southern Punjab – Preview, Prediction

Balochistan will be facing Southern Punjab in the second semi-final of the 2019 National T20 Cup. With six points Balochistan are at the second position of the points table followed by Southern Punjab at the third. But overall, Faisalabad’s audience can hope for a close thriller.

Balochistan won three out of five matches in the league stage. But their last game of the league saw the team losing by seven wickets to Northern (Pakistan). On the other hand, Southern Punjab, although could manage to win two out of their four full games, won their last one against the 5th ranked Sindh by 34 runs. So if we consider form, Southern Pakistan have an edge here.

These two teams already met once on October 17. Balochistan comfortably won the match by seven wickets, thanks to Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Asghar. So easily Balochistan will take on the field with an upper hand.

Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Yasir Shah, and Umar Gul are the experienced national level players in Balochistan. The top order of Balochistan Imam, Awais Zia, and Bismillah Khan have scored heavily and consistently so far with Amad Butt leading the way with the ball in hand.  For Southern Punjab, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz are taking the responsibilities. Whereas the arrivals of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik have revamped the team from the core which was visible in their last match, Wahab Riaz has been working as prefer all-rounder for them.

Key players

Amad Butt (Balochistan)– While Balochistan boast of a strong batting line up, Amad Butt is leading their bowling unit. Butt has taken eight wickets at an average of 16.87 so far to register as the best bowler of his team in the tournament. A good spell from him can be game changer.

Wahab Riaz (Southern Punjab)– With four wickets from four matches and 130 runs at an average of 65, Wahab Riaz is a key player for Southern Punjab. The pinch hitter is batting with a strike rate of 173.33 in the tournament and is so far the most run getter of Southern Punjab.

Likely XIs

Balochistan– Imam-ul-Haq, Awais Zia, Hussain Talat, Haris Sohail (C), Imran Farhat, Bismillah Khan (WK), Amad Butt, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Umar Gul, Akif Javed

Southern Punjab– Shan Masood (C), Umer Siddique (WK), Sami Aslam, Saif Badar, Agha Salman, Sohaib Maqsood, Amir Yamin, Mohammad Irfan, Umaid Asif, Wahab Riaz, Zahid Mahmood

Prediction

Balochistan to win.