Match starts at 8:00 pm

DUBAI February 24: Defending champions Islamabad United would aim to join Quetta Gladiators in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 play-offs by registering a win against the Gladiators in their clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium tonight.

The Misbahul Haq led United have had a roller coaster ride in the tournament thus far and need to win at least one of their last two games to ensure their qualification for the play-offs.

United won their game against Peshawar Zalmi on the last ball of the match last week before losing to Lahore Qalandars by one wicket at the same venue. They also lost their rain curtailed match against Karachi Kings in the Sharjah leg.

United’s batting has looked wobbly and need their top-order to fire if they are to set a base of a big score, the bowling attack has done admirably with Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Sami, Samuel Badree and Saeed Ajmal making life tough for their opponents. United need more of the same penetrative stuff from their bowlers to night.

Gladiators on the other hand are now aiming a top two finish which would give them the extra game cushion in the play-offs. The Sarfraz Ahmed led team has looked in great form and their biggest strength is their spirit and never-say-die attitude which has helped them prevail over their opponents.

Gladiators are expected to field some of their fringe players and rest the big guns ahead of the business end of the tournament. They do have great depth in their squad and United should expect a big fight from their resilient opponents, Gladiators lost their first game to United in the ongoing season and must be aiming to settle scores tonight ahead of the play-offs.