The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021 finally kicks today (October 20) with the inaugural match between Balochistan and Sindh at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. (Watch live cricket matches on crickwick.com.)
With regular captains on national duty at the T20 World Cup, Imran Butt will skipper Balochistan in the 2021 edition of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, while Fawad Alam will captain Sindh.
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Players to watch for
Balochistan
Alongside Imran Butt, a regular in the national Test side, the addition of Imam-ul-Haq, and Haris Sohail will strengthen Balochistan’s batting line. Their bowling department will have the services of some quality fast bowlers in the shape of Junaid Khan, and all-rounder Amad Butt. Ace spinner, Yasir Shah’s selection will be subject to fitness. However, if he plays, he has the ability to swing the game in Balochistan’s favor single-handedly.
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Sindh
Sindh, on the other hand, have several experienced players in the shape of Sharjeel Khan, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, and Shan Masood.
Their bowling brigade, especially the fast bowling department, is also very talent-rich in the presence of Mohammad Hasnain, Sohail Khan, and Mir Hamza. A winning start of the tournament will surely set the tone for the upcoming matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021.
Match Details
Match: Sindh vs Balochistan Match 1, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021
Date and Time: October 20, 2021, Wednesday, 10:30 AM IST
Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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Pitch Report
The pitch at Iqbal Stadium is good for batting. The ball comes nicely onto the bat upfront. But, as the game progresses, the pitch will turn dried and help spinners from both ends. Hence, the spinners are expected to play a major role in the opening game of the competition.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday is expected to be a bright, sunny day, perfect for a cricket match, with temperatures ranging between 19 to 36 degrees Celsius. “No chance of rain,” says the weather department.
Squads
Balochistan Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Butt (c), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Haris Sohail, Amad Butt, Bismillah Khan (wk), Kashif Bhatti, Umaid Asif, Junaid Khan, Raza-ul-Hasan, Gohar Faiz
Sindh Probable XI: Sharjeel Khan, Shan Masood, Ashiq Ali, Fawad Alam (c), Hasan Mohsin, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Hasan (wk), Mohammad Suleman, Sohail Khan, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Hasnain
Prediction
The opening game between Balochistan and Sindh is currently underway. Both sides are strong and have the ability to beat any team on a given day. However, in the absence of Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, and Shahnawaz Dahani, Sindh aren’t at their optimum, hence, Balochistan could have an upper hand.
Balochistan vs Sindh | Watch live cricket match
TV: PTV Sports
Live Streaming: Pakistan Cricket’s YouTube channel