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The stage is set for a blockbuster clash in the 2025 Pakistan Super League as Lahore Qalandars host Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Both teams are performing exceptionally well this season, with Islamabad United maintaining a perfect record so far, while Lahore Qalandars look to bounce back after halting a two-match losing streak with a vital win over Multan Sultans. This encounter promises high-octane cricket under hot and dry conditions, making it one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Match Details Table
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United |
| Date | April 11, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM PKT (GMT +5) |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Pitch Condition | High-scoring pitch, good pace bounce |
| Weather | Hot & dry, no rain expected |
| Toss Preference | Toss likely to be won by either team; both may choose to bowl first |
Team Previews
Lahore Qalandars Preview
After enduring a mini-slump, Lahore Qalandars returned to winning ways by defeating Multan Sultans in a thrilling five-wicket chase with six balls to spare. Their bowling unit remains one of the strongest in the league — led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Tom Curran — offering speed, swing, and control. However, their batting has been inconsistent. While Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza stepped up with crucial runs in the last game, others like Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, and Sam Billings need to deliver consistently if they’re to challenge a formidable Islamabad side.
Mitchell and Raza will play pivotal roles not only with the bat but also with the ball due to their all-round capabilities. The presence of Asif Ali adds firepower in the death overs. Lahore’s biggest advantage will be the home crowd, but they’ll need more than just support — they must execute plans sharply against an in-form Islamabad lineup.
Islamabad United Preview
Islamabad United have been nothing short of sensational in PSL 2025, remaining unbeaten across all five matches so far. They played another dominant performance against Multan Sultans, winning by seven wickets with 17 balls to spare. Their batting lineup is stacked with aggressive hitters like Andries Gous, Colin Munro, and Haider Ali, who can change the course of any game in a matter of overs.
Their middle order, featuring Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, provides stability and flair with both bat and ball. In the bowling department, Jason Holder and Riley Meredith offer invaluable experience and pace, while Shadab and Imad Wasim bring in quality spin options. Their ability to adapt to different match situations makes them the most balanced side in the tournament. Facing Lahore away from home will test their consistency, but their recent form suggests they are capable of rising to the occasion.
Favourite Team to Win – Why?
| Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Islamabad United | Undefeated start, balanced squad, strong batting depth and reliable bowling make them clear favorites. Lahore needs to fire on all cylinders to beat them. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Daryl Mitchell | All-Rounder | Lahore Qalandars |
| Andries Gous | Batter (WK) | Islamabad United |
| Colin Munro | Batter | Islamabad United |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter | Lahore Qalandars |
| Shadab Khan | All-Rounder | Islamabad United |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-Rounder | Islamabad United |
| Haider Ali | Batter | Islamabad United |
| Jason Holder | Bowler/All-Rounder | Islamabad United |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | Lahore Qalandars |
| Riley Meredith | Bowler | Islamabad United |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler | Lahore Qalandars |
Fantasy Explanation
This fantasy XI blends top run-scorers and wicket-takers from both sides. Andries Gous , Colin Munro , and Daryl Mitchell have proven scoring rates and can deliver big points. Shadab Khan and Jason Holder add all-round value, contributing with both bat and ball. The fast-bowling trio of Rauf , Meredith , and Afridi gives your team consistent wicket-taking potential.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : Andries Gous (ISU)
- Recent form: 80* off 45 vs Multan
- Explosive batter, ideal for big scores
- Vice-Captain : Daryl Mitchell (LQ)
- Top contributor with bat & ball
- Consistent performer for Lahore
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sam Billings (LQ) | Struggling with form recently |
| Sahibzada Farhan (ISU) | Inconsistent, lacks aggression in middle order |
Team Squads
Lahore Qalandars Squad
- Fakhar Zaman (c)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Tom Curran
- Daryl Mitchell
- Sikandar Raza
- Abdullah Shafique
- Sam Billings (wk)
- Asif Ali
- Asif Afridi
- Mohammad Amir
- Liam Livingstone
- Rashid Khan
- Usman Shinwari
- Hazratullah Zazai
Islamabad United Squad
- Shadab Khan (c)
- Andries Gous (wk)
- Colin Munro
- Jason Holder
- Muhammad Akhlaq
- Haider Ali
- Imad Wasim
- Salman Irshad
- Saad Masood
- Shahnawaz Dahani
- Riley Meredith
- Hassan Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Zaman Khan
Probable Playing XI
| Lahore Qalandars XI | Islamabad United XI |
|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | Sahibzada Farhan |
| Mohammad Naeem | Andries Gous (wk) |
| Abdullah Shafique | Colin Munro |
| Daryl Mitchell | Mohammad Nawaz |
| Sam Billings (wk) | Saad Masood |
| Sikandar Raza | Shadab Khan (c) |
| Asif Ali | Haider Ali |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (c) | Jason Holder |
| Tom Curran | Imad Wasim |
| Haris Rauf | Riley Meredith |
| Asif Afridi | Salman Irshad |
Pitch Report
Gaddafi Stadium continues to provide batsmen-friendly conditions with a hard, flat pitch offering excellent pace and bounce. Spinners will get some turn, but the surface largely favors strokeplay. Pacers will benefit early on, especially during the powerplay. A score above 190 should be competitive.
Toss Prediction
Both teams prefer to bowl first , especially after seeing success doing so in previous games. The toss will be crucial, and we expect the winning captain to opt for bowling first to take advantage of early movement and then chase down a target under lights.
Winner Prediction
While Lahore Qalandars possess world-class talent and the backing of a passionate home crowd, Islamabad United’s undefeated momentum, depth, and balance give them the edge . Unless Lahore batters fire collectively and bowlers maintain line and length throughout, Islamabad looks too strong to stop right now.
PREDICTED WINNER: ISLAMABAD UNITED
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