Islamabad United Predicted Playing XI vs Peshawar Zalmi- PSL 2026, Match 7

Islamabad United Predicted Playing XI vs Peshawar Zalmi [Source: @IsbUnited/X.com]

In the seventh fixture of the ongoing PSL 2026 season, Islamabad United will be up against Peshawar Zalmi at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match will be held on March 31 at 7:30 PM IST.

While Islamabad lost its opening fixture to the Multan Sultans, Peshawar crushed Rawalpindiz to seal a 5-wicket victory in a high-scoring game.

Islamabad United Vs Peshawar Zalmi Preview

Both teams had a mixed start to the PSL 2026 season. Islamabad United couldn’t defend the 172-run target against Multan Sultans as their weak bowling was rightfully exposed.

Salman Mirza and Imad Wasim couldn’t do much while skipper Shadab Khan showed some resistance with 2 wickets.

On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi had a solid outing against Rawalpindiz. Zalmi’s batting unit made collective and equal contributions to chase down a mighty total of 215 runs with 5 balls to spare.

Overall, Peshawar Zalmi have an upper hand as they have the winning momentum on their side. But Islamabad United cannot be ruled out this early in the tournament.

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Islamabad United Playing XI vs Peshawar Zalmi, PSL 2026 Match 7

Top Order - Devon Conway, Sameer Minhas, Andries Gous

Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas got a strong foundation for Islamabad United in their opening fixture by stitching a 48-run opening partnership.

Andries Gous, who is also the wicket-keeper, couldn’t score more than 11 runs. But since it was just the first game, he will be backed to play at no. 3, which is an important position, as he will have to anchor the inning till the end.

Middle Order - Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf

As for the middle order, Mark Chapman will continue to bat at no. 4. He scored a swift 40 off 21 balls in the last game, meaning the batter is in good form, and hence his batting position shouldn’t be changed. 

At no. 5, Islamabad United captain Shabad Khan should consider sacrificing his position for Haider Ali, as the latter is striking the ball well at the moment. Shadab has been struggling as a batter for quite some time now.

Even in the last game, he scored 4 runs off 5 balls. Hence, allowing Haider more time to settle will allow him to finish well.

Once Shadab comes in at no. 6, Faheem Ashraf should follow him at no. 7 as a finisher. He hammered 26 off just 17 balls in the last game with a decent strike rate.

Bowlers - Imad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Salman Irshad, Richard Gleeson

Coming to the bowling department, Imad Wasim will help Shadab Khan in the spin department. In the previous game, Wasim picked a single wicket and had a decent economy of 7.80.

Salman Mirza led the pace attack, though he had an off day against Multan Sultans, conceding 49 runs in just 3 overs. 

Due to a lack of better alternatives, Mirza will get more games in this PSL 2026. But he has to improve significantly to help United win in the future.

Salman Irshad and Richard Gleeson are two more pace options with Islamabad United. Both bowled well in the last game and kept their economy rate below 8.0. 

Overall, Islamabad United are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI, mostly due to lack of proper bench strength. Also, since it is too early in the tournament, the management would likely avoid unnecessary chopping of what they think is their best combination this soon.

Islamabad United Playing XI Vs Peshawar Zalmi - Match 7, PSL 2026

Devon Conway, Sameer Minhas, Andries Gous (wk), Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Salman Irshad, Richard Gleeson

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