Rawalpindiz Team in PSL 2026. Image Credits: AFP
The Rawalpindiz play their third match of the season against the Islamabad United on April 4 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, in Match 12 of PSL 2026 at 7:30 PM (IST).
Much like the Hyderabad Kingsmen, the Rawalpindiz are also on the lookout for their first win in the league after they were introduced as the two new sides in PSL 2026. So far, in the two matches played, they have let the Peshawar Zalmi chase down 215, followed by another big chase of 198 by the Karachi Kings in the next game.
In their first two matches, Yasir Shah has been their top run-getter with 91 runs at a strike rate of 168.51, including the best score of 83. In the second match, Daryl Mitchell stepped up and scored 65 off 41 to take his season tally to 88 runs at a strike rate of 162.96.
With the ball in hand, Mitchell has picked 3/32 in the only match that he has bowled, and he is also their leading wicket-taker.
On the other hand, Islamabad United have won one and lost one of their three matches so far. The young Sameer Minhas is their leading run-scorer with 110 runs at 159.75. The bowling unit is led by the skipper, Shadab Khan's leg-spin. He has picked up five wickets in two innings, with the best figures of 3/23 and an economy rate of 7.37.
As the two teams collide on Saturday night, we explore the Rawalpindiz playing XI for the game.
Rawalpindiz Likely Playing XI vs Islamabad United- PSL 2026, Match 12
Top-order: Mohammad Rizwan (c) (wk), Yasir Shah, Kamran Ghulam
The Pindiz captain, Mohammad Rizwan, unlike his reputation, has started showing some intent at the top of the order, with 21 (13) in the last match. So far, he has 62 runs in two innings at 137.77 and will retain his spot at the top with their leading run-getter Yasir Shah, who has 91 runs at a strike rate of 168.51. Shah scored 83 (46) in their first match against Peshawar Zalmi.
The number 3 will be another right-hand batter, Kamran Ghulam. In the opening fixture, he scored a quick 37 off 20 with two fours and three sixes to take the team to 214/4 and is likely to retain his spot.
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Middle-order: Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Cole McConchie, Rishad Hossain
The Rawalpindiz will head into the third match with the middle-order high on confidence. They have power-packed batters from number 4 to 8, led by the New Zealand star, Daryl Mitchell and England's Sam Billings. In their last match, Mitchell scored 65 off 41 with five fours and three sixes, while Billings got 8 fours and a six for his 58(35).
Abduallah Fazal, who usually opens the batting has scored 23 runs in just 9 balls, with two fours and two sixes in the two innings. He will share the finishers responsibility with Cole McConchie from New Zealand, who impressed in the T20 World Cup and Rishad Hossain, who has a reputation of hitting big sixes late in the innings.
With a T20 strike rate of 134 and ODI strike rate of 136, Rishad Hossain can add extra 20-25 runs in 9-10 balls, if he is needed. He will also be the lead spinner, with 125 T20 wickets in 104 innings, while Cole McConchie will be the support cast.
Bowlers: Mohammad Amir Khan, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir
Despite letting the oppositions chase high scores in both their previous matches, the Rawalpindiz have a high-quality pace attack. The new ball and death overs specialist, left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir will continue to lead the attack with Naseem Shah, who is looking for some rhythm after the recent controversy.
The duo will be supported by the right-arm pacer Mohammad Amir Khan, who has only played one match, with 0/44 (4), but is likely to be backed, thanks to his overall T20 record of 29 wickets in 26 games.
Rawalpindiz Predicted Playing XI vs Islamabad United- PSL 2026, Match 12: Mohammad Rizwan (c) (wk), Yasir Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Cole McConchie, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Amir Khan, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir.
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