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As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 continues to deliver thrilling contests, a crucial clash is set to take place between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. After a mixed start to their campaign, both teams are eager to bounce back and secure valuable points.
Peshawar Zalmi began the Lahore leg with a dominant 7-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars but followed it up with a disappointing 64-run loss. Their batting has been inconsistent, particularly at the top, with Saim Ayub and Babar Azam struggling for form. However, their middle order, led by Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Hussain Talat, offers hope. The bowlers, including Alzarri Joseph and Luke Wood, have shown glimpses of brilliance and will be key if PSZ are to restrict ISU.
On the other hand, Islamabad United suffered their first defeat of the season after a stellar run. Despite a strong opening partnership between Andries Gous and Salman Agha, the middle order collapsed under pressure. With an experienced lineup featuring Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Jason Holder, ISU remains one of the most balanced sides in the tournament.
This match promises fireworks as both teams look to assert dominance on a pitch that supports both bat and ball. Let’s dive deeper into the contest.
Match Details
| Match | Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United |
|---|---|
| Date | April 18, 2025 |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Time | 7:00 PM PKT |
| Tournament | PSL 2025 |
Team Previews
Peshawar Zalmi Preview
Peshawar Zalmi have had a topsy-turvy run in the ongoing PSL 2025. While they started the Lahore leg with a thumping 7-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars, they were brought down to earth with a 64-run defeat in their next game. Their biggest concern remains the inconsistency in the top order. Openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam have struggled to provide solid starts, with the latter averaging below 20 in his last five innings. This puts extra pressure on the middle-order trio of Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, and Hussain Talat to stabilize the innings.
Kohler-Cadmore, despite being out cheaply in recent games, possesses the ability to change the course of the match with his aggressive stroke play. Haris and Talat have shown promise and could thrive if given a decent platform. Captain Babar Azam might need to anchor the innings even if it means sacrificing strike rate.
In bowling, Alzarri Joseph and Luke Wood have stood out with their pace and control. Aarif Yaqoob also impressed earlier but was dropped recently. The team needs a collective effort from all departments to stay competitive in this high-stakes encounter.
Islamabad United Preview
Islamabad United entered this match on the back of their first loss of the season after a crushing 89-run defeat against Lahore Qalandars. Despite a blistering start from opener Andries Gous and a solid knock from Salman Agha, the middle and lower order failed to build on the momentum, leading to a complete collapse.
The presence of skipper Shadab Khan gives them stability in both batting and bowling. His leadership and experience will be vital in guiding the team through tough phases. Alongside him, Imad Wasim provides control and variation in the middle overs.
Their pace department is spearheaded by Naseem Shah, who brings raw pace and swing early on. Jason Holder and Ben Dwarshuis add depth and experience at the death. However, both were expensive in their previous outing and will need to tighten their lines.
Azam Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, and Haider Ali offer power-hitting options in the middle and lower order, making ISU a dangerous side when clicking.
With quality players across the board, ISU looks better equipped to bounce back and dominate this fixture. Their balanced attack and deep batting make them strong favorites heading into this clash.
Favourites to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Favourite? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad United | ✅ Yes | Stronger overall squad with proven match-winners in both batting and bowling. Better consistency compared to Peshawar Zalmi. Solid spin duo of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim can exploit the wicket. Middle and lower order depth gives them an edge in chases or setting targets. |
Fantasy Team XI (Recommended Playing XI + Explanation)
| Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Batsman | PSZ | Anchor role; likely to bat long if he gets going |
| Saim Ayub | Batsman | PSZ | Inconsistent but capable of explosive knocks |
| Andries Gous | Batsman | ISU | Aggressive opener; good track record at Lahore |
| Salman Agha | Batsman | ISU | Dependable middle-order batter |
| Hussain Talat | All-Rounder | PSZ | Impact player in middle overs; can score quickly |
| Shadab Khan | All-Rounder | ISU | Top spinner + finisher; must-have fantasy pick |
| Imad Wasim | All-Rounder | ISU | Consistent performer; takes wickets and scores runs |
| Jason Holder | All-Rounder | ISU | Power hitter and handy pacer |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | ISU | High impact with early breakthroughs |
| Alzarri Joseph | Bowler | PSZ | Has taken multiple wickets in past matches |
| Luke Wood | Bowler | PSZ | Good pace and variations; economical option |
Explanation:
This Fantasy XI combines players from both teams who are either in form, playing critical roles, or have favorable matchups. Focus is placed on Shadab Khan , Imad Wasim , and Andries Gous , who are likely to dictate the outcome of the match. The inclusion of Joseph and Naseem Shah ensures you get early wicket-taking potential.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:
- Captain : Shadab Khan (ISU) – Experienced leader, consistent performer with bat and ball.
- Vice-Captain : Andries Gous (ISU) – Explosive opener; can score fast runs in powerplay.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team:
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore (PSZ) – Struggling for form; scored single digits in last 3 innings.
- Ben Dwarshuis (ISU) – Expensive in last match; lacks control at times.
Team Squads
Peshawar Zalmi Squad:
Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Mitchell Owen, Luke Wood, Alzarri Joseph, Aarif Yaqoob, Ali Raza, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Ghulam, Usman Qadir, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Irfanullah Marwat
Islamabad United Squad:
Sahibzada Farhan, Andries Gous, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Haider Ali, Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Hunaih Shah, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Dilbar Hussain, Mubasir Khan, Zeeshan Zameer
Probable Playing XI
| Peshawar Zalmi | Islamabad United |
|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Sahibzada Farhan |
| Babar Azam (c) | Andries Gous |
| Mohammad Haris (wk) | Salman Agha |
| Tom Kohler-Cadmore | Azam Khan (wk) |
| Hussain Talat | Haider Ali |
| Abdul Samad | Shadab Khan (c) |
| Mitchell Owen | Jason Holder |
| Luke Wood | Imad Wasim |
| Alzarri Joseph | Ben Dwarshuis |
| Aarif Yaqoob | Naseem Shah |
| Ali Raza | Hunaih Shah |
Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Batting Conditions: Balanced surface with pace and bounce
- First Innings Avg Score: ~173
- Spin vs Pace: Spin gets some turn; pace benefits from bounce
- Weather: Warm day (~33°C), partly cloudy, no rain threat
- Toss Prediction: Likely to Bat First
Teams batting first have won 3 out of 6 matches here. Though there’s no clear advantage, the pitch seems more predictable in the first half, allowing batters to gauge conditions better.
Toss Prediction
- Most Likely Decision: Batting First
- Reason: Teams have historically preferred chasing, but with slight assistance for bowlers early on, setting a target may be advantageous.
Winner Prediction
Based on current form, balance of squads, and consistency, Islamabad United are favored to win this match. Their batting depth and superior spin bowling give them the upper hand against a Peshawar Zalmi side struggling for consistency.
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