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Match 30 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 will witness a high-stakes clash between defending champions Islamabad United and already-qualified Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. While Karachi enters this encounter with their playoff spot secured, Islamabad needs a win to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. The United have struggled recently, losing four matches in a row, and will look to bounce back under the leadership of Shadab Khan. On the other hand, Karachi is riding high on confidence after a thrilling win over Peshawar Zalmi. Historically, Islamabad holds an upper hand, having won all three previous meetings this season. With both teams possessing explosive lineups, this match promises fireworks.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | Match 30 – PSL 2025 |
| Teams | Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings |
| Date | 20th May 2025 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Time | TBA |
| Live Streaming | Geo Super / PSL Official App |
| Toss Timing | Expected around 30 minutes before start |
Team Preview – Islamabad United
Islamabad United are currently in a precarious position, having lost four consecutive matches and needing a win to stay in playoff contention. Despite the recent slump, they still possess a strong squad led by captain Shadab Khan. Their batting lineup features Sahibzada Farhan, who has been their top scorer with 321 runs in nine innings. Colin Munro, Alex Hales, and Rassie van der Dussen offer firepower, while Jimmy Neesham provides valuable all-round support.
The middle order has looked inconsistent, though, failing to build partnerships when required. In the bowling department, Naseem Shah and Salman Irshad lead the pace attack, while Ben Dwarshuis offers death-bowling expertise. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim remains their most effective bowler with 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.28.
In their last game, Imad Wasim showed his class with a crucial 56-run knock and picked up a vital wicket. However, the team’s inability to maintain momentum has cost them dearly. A strong performance here could revive their campaign, especially considering their dominance over Karachi this season.
Team Preview – Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings have confirmed their place in the playoffs and now aim to finish the league stage on a high note. They come into this match with renewed confidence after a thrilling chase against Peshawar Zalmi, where David Warner led from the front with a brilliant 86 off 50 balls. James Vince supported him well with 72 off 42 deliveries, while Khushdil Shah smashed 43 off just 15 balls to seal the game.
David Warner continues to be their mainstay, combining leadership with form. Irfan Khan and Mohammad Nabi provide stability in the middle overs, while Khushdil adds explosive impact. As a unit, the batting has clicked at the right time, making them a dangerous side in high-pressure games.
Their bowling is spearheaded by Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali, who have shared key wickets. Abbas Afridi has emerged as a promising young talent, offering variations and picking up breakthroughs. Aamer Jamal complements the pace trio with control and consistency.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Karachi can afford to experiment, but maintaining focus will be key. A win here would boost their confidence ahead of the playoffs.
Favourite Team to Win Today & Why
| Favourite Team | Why |
|---|---|
| Karachi Kings | In-form batting lineup, already qualified for playoffs, better recent form, and solid head-to-head record against United. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Warner | Batsman | Karachi Kings | Captain and opener; in red-hot form |
| James Vince | Batsman | Karachi Kings | Aggressive stroke maker; impactful starts |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Batsman | Islamabad United | Leading run-scorer for United; reliable performer |
| Khushdil Shah | Batsman | Karachi Kings | Finisher; capable of scoring at over 200 SR |
| Jimmy Neesham | All-rounder | Islamabad United | Valuable lower-order runs + economical spells |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder | Karachi Kings | Middle-order stability + part-time spin |
| Imad Wasim | Bowler | Islamabad United | Key spinner; contributes with bat and ball |
| Hasan Ali | Bowler | Karachi Kings | Experienced pacer; consistent wicket-taker |
| Mir Hamza | Bowler | Karachi Kings | Wicket-taking threat; controls the middle overs |
| Salman Irshad | Bowler | Islamabad United | Young pacer with swing and variation |
| Abbas Afridi | Bowler | Karachi Kings | Death specialist; can turn games with clever changes |
Fantasy Explanation:
This fantasy XI is built around high-scoring batters like Warner, Vince, and Farhan. Khushdil Shah brings finishing flair. Jimmy Neesham and Mohammad Nabi offer all-round value. The bowling core includes Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, and Abbas Afridi—key wicket-takers. Imad Wasim adds balance with useful contributions in both departments.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Suggested Captain | Suggested Vice-Captain |
|---|---|
| David Warner (KRK) | Khushdil Shah (KRK) |
Why?
Warner leads the batting charge, while Khushdil offers explosive impact in short spans—both likely to score big points.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Rassie van der Dussen (ISU) | Struggling to convert starts into big scores lately |
| Naseem Shah (ISU) | Expensive in death overs; inconsistent performances |
Team Squads
Islamabad United Squad
Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Jimmy Neesham, Salman Irshad, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Salman Agha
Karachi Kings Squad
David Warner (c), Ben McDermott (wk), James Vince, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Saad Baig, Abbas Afridi, Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, Aamer Jamal
Probable Playing XI
| Islamabad United XI | Karachi Kings XI |
|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | David Warner (c) |
| Colin Munro | James Vince |
| Shadab Khan (c) | Ben McDermott (wk) |
| Rassie van der Dussen | Irfan Khan |
| Alex Hales | Khushdil Shah |
| Jimmy Neesham | Mohammad Nabi |
| Salman Agha | Saad Baig |
| Salman Irshad | Mir Hamza |
| Naseem Shah | Hasan Ali |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Abbas Afridi |
| Imad Wasim | Aamer Jamal |
Pitch Report
- Pitch Type: Balanced but highly batting-friendly
- Average First Innings Score: ~219
- Second Innings Average: ~160
- Batting Conditions: High scoring, flat pitch
- Pace Bowling: Good bounce and carry
- Spin Bowling: Average turn, can be effective in middle overs
- Toss Impact: Teams batting first have won 7 out of 8 matches here
Toss Prediction
- Likely Outcome: Clear skies, toss expected around 30 minutes before start
- Decision: Batting first is the preferred option due to chasing difficulties later in the day
Winner Prediction
- Favourites: Karachi Kings
- Reason: Strong batting lineup, better recent form, and already qualified for playoffs with no pressure
- Prediction: Karachi Kings to win comfortably and finish the group stage on a high note
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