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The 2025 Pakistan Super League witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum as Lahore Qalandars stunned league leaders Islamabad United with a dominant 88-run victory in Lahore, ending their six-game winning streak. This upset reignited fan interest, setting the stage for a thrilling clash between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators, both aiming to challenge Islamabad’s dominance. Quetta, fresh off a 10-wicket win over Multan Sultans, arrives with a three-match winning streak, while Lahore boasts home advantage after their historic victory. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host this high-stakes encounter, promising fireworks between two in-form teams.
Match Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, April 18, 2025 |
| Teams | Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Time | 7:00 PM PKT (UTC+5) |
| Format | T20 (20-over match) |
Team Previews
Lahore Qalandars Preview
Lahore Qalandars’ emphatic win over Islamabad United marked a turning point in their campaign. Despite no individual scoring a half-century, their collective effort—led by Fakhar Zaman (44), Sikandar Raza (39 off 17), and Sam Billings (38 off 17)—set a competitive total of 140. Their bowling unit, spearheaded by Haris Rauf (4/31) and Raza (3/20), dismantled Islamabad’s batting lineup, showcasing depth and confidence. Key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/10) and Asif Ali add balance, while Tom Curran’s all-round prowess provides flexibility.
Lahore’s strength lies in their ability to adapt: their middle-order resilience and aggressive death bowling make them a formidable side. However, inconsistencies in partnerships (only two batters crossed 22 in their last innings) and occasional lapses in line (Daryl Mitchell went wicketless) remain areas of concern. The home crowd’s support will be pivotal, especially against Quetta’s in-form bowlers.
Quetta Gladiators Preview
Quetta Gladiators enter this match riding a three-game winning streak, including a clinical 10-wicket thrashing of Multan Sultans. Their bowling attack, led by Khurram Shahzad (4/23) and Mohammad Wasim Jr (2/18), has been relentless, while Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed maintain tight economy rates. The trio of Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen (45 off 21), and Rilee Rossouw provides explosive starts, supported by Kusal Mendis’s wicketkeeping-batting combo and Mark Chapman’s finishing skills.
Quetta’s depth allows them to chase targets swiftly, as seen against Multan, where they chased 90 in just 9.2 overs. However, their batting lacks consistency; only two batters scored double-figures in their previous game. The absence of a proven game-breaker in the middle overs could trouble them against Lahore’s varied attack. Yet, their confidence, built on three consecutive wins, makes them a dangerous opponent.
Favourite Team to Win
| Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Lahore Qalandars | Lahore’s shock win over Islamabad proved their ability to rise under pressure. Their balanced squad, star bowlers (Rauf, Raza), and home advantage tilt the scales. Quetta’s reliance on early powerplay might falter against Lahore’s disciplined pace attack. A fired-up Lahore, buoyed by fan support, is primed to secure another victory. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Team | Role | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Lahore Qalandars | Bowler/All-rounder | Star bowler with knack for early wickets; took 2/10 vs Islamabad. |
| Haris Rauf | Lahore Qalandars | Bowler | Match-winner vs Islamabad (4/31); lethal in death overs. |
| Sikandar Raza | Lahore Qalandars | All-rounder | 39* & 3/20 in last game; finisher and impactful spinner. |
| Sam Billings | Lahore Qalandars | Batter/WK | Aggressive batting (223 SR); safe option behind the stumps. |
| Saud Shakeel | Quetta Gladiators | Batter/Captain | Opener with 210 SR in last innings; consistent run-getter. |
| Finn Allen | Quetta Gladiators | Batter | 214 SR in last match; explosive opener. |
| Rilee Rossouw | Quetta Gladiators | Batter/All-rounder | Finishes innings smartly; 150+ average in PSL 2025. |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr | Quetta Gladiators | Bowler/All-rounder | Took 2/18 vs Multan; dangerous lower-order hitter. |
| Khurram Shahzad | Quetta Gladiators | Bowler | Leading wicket-taker (4/23); swings the ball early. |
| Asif Ali | Lahore Qalandars | Batter | Finisher with big-hitting ability; 50+ strike rate in death overs. |
| Abrar Ahmed | Quetta Gladiators | Bowler | Economical leg-spinner (0/13 vs Multan); ideal for containment. |
Captain & Vice-Captain:
- Captain: Haris Rauf (Lahore Qalandars) – High wicket-taking potential.
- Vice-Captain: Saud Shakeel (Quetta Gladiators) – Consistent opener.
Players to Avoid:
- Daryl Mitchell (Lahore): Scored 0 and went wicketless in the last game.
- Mohammad Amir (Quetta): Lacks bite; bowled 0/14 in previous outing.
Team Squads
Lahore Qalandars Squad:
Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Tom Curran, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.
Quetta Gladiators Squad:
Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.
Probable Playing XI
| Lahore Qalandars | Quetta Gladiators |
|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | Finn Allen |
| Mohammad Naeem | Saud Shakeel (c) |
| Abdullah Shafique | Rilee Rossouw |
| Daryl Mitchell | Kusal Mendis (wk) |
| Sam Billings (wk) | Mark Chapman |
| Sikandar Raza | Faheem Ashraf |
| Asif Ali | Hasan Nawaz |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (c) | Mohammad Wasim Jr |
| Tom Curran | Mohammad Amir |
| Haris Rauf | Khurram Shahzad |
| Asif Afridi | Abrar Ahmed |
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch favors batters, offering high scoring opportunities with pace-friendly bounce. Spinners may find it challenging, as the surface provides minimal turn. A first-innings par score is likely 195+ , with dew later in the evening aiding chasers. Bowlers must rely on yorkers and slower deliveries in the death.
Toss Prediction
Batting First : Both teams will opt to bat first due to the pitch’s batting-friendly nature and cooler conditions during the chase.
Winner Prediction
Lahore Qalandars to clinch another victory, leveraging home advantage, superior bowling depth, and the psychological edge from their Islamabad win.
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