Related Articles
The Eliminator match of the Pakistan Super League 2025 will witness a thrilling encounter between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore . This is a high-stakes knockout clash where the losing side will be eliminated from the tournament. The two teams have already met this season, with Karachi Kings defeating Lahore by 4 wickets in a rain-affected game. While Lahore struggled with batting consistency in their recent games, they bounced back strongly to defend 149 against Peshawar.
Karachi, on the other hand, were in fine form before ending their league campaign with a loss. With both teams packed with firepower, this eliminator promises to be a nail-biting contest under lights in Lahore.
Match Details
| Event | PSL 2025 – Eliminator Match |
|---|---|
| Venue | Gaddafi Cricket Stadium, Lahore |
| Date & Time | May 8, 2025 |
| Series | Pakistan Super League 2025 |
| Live Streaming | Geo Super / Sony Sports / Disney+ Hotstar |
Team Previews
Lahore Qalandars Preview
Lahore Qalandars enter the Eliminator after an inconsistent run in the league stage. They won 2 of their 4 matches in Lahore but lost momentum after a strong start. Their last match saw them successfully defending a modest 149/6 thanks to a stellar bowling performance led by Salman Mirza , who took 4 wickets for just 31 runs.
Fakhar Zaman was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 60 off 36 balls to give the innings some direction. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to contribute significantly, highlighting a concern for the hosts heading into this must-win game.
Top-order batters like Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique will need to provide solid starts, while middle-order players like Kusal Perera and Sikandar Raza must stabilize the innings. Asif Ali remains a dangerous finisher, capable of changing the course of the game in the final overs.
In bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the attack with pace and swing, supported by experienced campaigners like Haris Rauf and Salman Mirza . If the bowlers can deliver under pressure again, Lahore stand a good chance of progressing.
Karachi Kings Preview
Karachi Kings head into this match as slight favorites, having enjoyed a strong phase during the league stage with three consecutive wins before a disappointing loss to Islamabad United. They also hold a positive head-to-head record against Lahore , including a win at this venue earlier in the tournament.
David Warner has been a consistent performer at the top of the order, providing stability and aggression when needed. He is well-supported by James Vince and Tim Seifert , both of whom are capable of anchoring the innings or accelerating depending on the situation.
Middle-order hitters like Khushdil Shah and Irfan Khan have delivered crucial knocks in key matches. Irfan’s 48 off 21 balls helped chase down a tricky target against Lahore in their previous meeting.
In bowling, Mir Hamza and Abbas Afridi lead the attack. Abbas, in particular, has been effective with his left-arm spin and death bowling. Hasan Ali brings experience, though he hasn’t been at his best recently.
If Karachi’s top order fires and the bowlers maintain discipline, they should comfortably outclass Lahore in this high-pressure Eliminator.
Favorite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Favourite Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Karachi Kings | Karachi Kings enter the Eliminator with better overall form and a superior head-to-head record against Lahore. Their batting unit is more balanced, with Warner, Vince, and Khushdil Shah offering consistency and firepower. Although Lahore’s bowling is strong, their batting struggles could prove costly in a knockout game. Karachi’s ability to adapt to pressure and deliver under crunch moments gives them the edge. A confident start from their openers and disciplined bowling can take them through to the next round. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Name | Role | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| David Warner | Captain | Anchor of the innings; experienced and consistent in T20 cricket. |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Vice-Captain | Lethal new-ball bowler; capable of picking early wickets. |
| James Vince | Opener | Reliable and aggressive opener; scores at a healthy strike rate. |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batsman | Explosive batter; can change game with quickfire knock. |
| Khushdil Shah | All-Rounder | Big-hitter and useful part-time spinner; valuable in fantasy. |
| Asif Ali | Finisher | Power-hitter; known for finishing games in style. |
| Abbas Afridi | Bowler | Wicket-taking left-arm spinner; impactful in middle and death overs. |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | Express pacer; delivers fiery spells in death overs. |
| Salman Mirza | Bowler | Impact player; took 4 wickets in last match and bowls economically. |
| Kusal Perera (wk) | Wicketkeeper | Keeps wickets and bats well down the order; useful fantasy multiplier. |
| Mohammad Naeem | Opener | Aggressive starter; scored 22 off 10 balls in last match. |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : David Warner – Experienced leader and reliable run-getter.
- Vice-Captain : Shaheen Shah Afridi – Game-changing new-ball bowler.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy
- Sikandar Raza – Inconsistent returns and not getting enough time at the crease.
- Shakib Al Hasan – Out of form and not contributing meaningfully in recent matches.
Squads & Probable Playing XI
Lahore Qalandars Squad
Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Salman Mirza.
| Probable XI |
|---|
| Fakhar Zaman |
| Mohammad Naeem |
| Abdullah Shafique |
| Kusal Perera (wk) |
| Sikandar Raza |
| Asif Ali |
| Shakib Al Hasan |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (c) |
| Haris Rauf |
| Zaman Khan |
| Salman Mirza |
Karachi Kings Squad
Tim Seifert (wk), David Warner (c), James Vince, Saad Baig, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Mir Hamza.
| Probable XI |
|---|
| Tim Seifert (wk) |
| David Warner (c) |
| James Vince |
| Saad Baig |
| Irfan Khan |
| Khushdil Shah |
| Mohammad Nabi |
| Abbas Afridi |
| Mir Hamza |
| Hasan Ali |
| Aamer Jamal |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium offers a balanced contest between bat and ball , with early movement for seamers and some turn for spinners in the middle overs. Teams batting first have had mixed success, with chasing sides winning the last three matches played here.
- Average First-Innings Score: ~155
- Competitive Total: 180+
- Best Strategy: Batting second provides a slight advantage due to dew and improved pitch conditions later in the game.
Toss Prediction
- Expected Winner of Toss: Lahore Qalandars (Home Advantage)
- Preferred Decision: Bowl First – Chasing teams have done better in Lahore, and dew might play a role in the second innings.
Winner Prediction
This Eliminator promises to be a tight contest , with both teams possessing quality players across the board. However, Karachi Kings appear slightly ahead in terms of batting depth, consistency, and confidence . Lahore’s bowling is strong, but their batting has shown cracks at crucial moments.
Prediction: Karachi Kings to win the Eliminator and move into Qualifier 2 of PSL 2025.
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
