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In a high-stakes encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars clash in Match 29 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 on Sunday, 18th May. With both teams needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, this game is set to be a thrilling contest. Peshawar Zalmi, currently placed fifth with 8 points from 9 matches, suffered a narrow 23-run defeat against Karachi Kings in their last outing, while Lahore Qalandars sit just above them in fourth with 9 points but also tasted defeat recently. The head-to-head record slightly favors Zalmi, especially at this venue where they’ve won both previous encounters. The pitch at Rawalpindi has been batting-friendly, favoring big totals, making this an exciting match-up between two strong lineups.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | Match 29 – PSL 2025 |
| Teams | Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars |
| Date | 18th May 2025 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Time | 8:30 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | Sony Sports Network / PSL Official App |
| Toss Timing | Expected around 8:00 PM IST |
Team Preview – Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi are sitting in 5th place with 8 points from 9 matches and need a win to keep their playoff dreams alive. In their last match against Karachi Kings, they were outplayed in the death overs after posting a competitive 237/4. Luke Wood was their standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for just 19 runs, but Ali Raza and Ahmed Daniyal went for over 60 runs each, which hurt their chances.
During the chase, Babar Azam continued his fine form with a blistering 94 off 49 balls, supported by Saim Ayub’s 47. However, the middle order failed to build momentum, leading to a 23-run loss. So far this season, Babar remains their highest run-scorer with 272 runs, while Mohammad Haris has contributed quick starts with 239 runs.
Their bowling attack is led by Alzarri Joseph (12 wickets), Luke Wood (11 wickets), and Ali Raza (10 wickets). Arif Yaqoob provides control in the middle overs. With only one game left in the league stage, Zalmi must win to qualify for the playoffs. They have a solid top order and experienced bowlers, but inconsistency in the middle overs and middle-order failures remain key concerns.
Team Preview – Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars find themselves in 4th position with 9 points from 9 matches and still in contention for the playoffs. They lost their last match to Karachi Kings via DLS in a rain-affected game after setting a decent 160/8 in 15 overs. Mohammad Naeem (65 off 29) and Fakhar Zaman (51 off 33) gave them a flying start, but sloppy death bowling cost them the game.
Fakhar Zaman continues to be their mainstay with the bat, scoring 309 runs so far, followed by Abdullah Shafique (254 runs) and Sikandar Raza (228 runs). Their middle order has shown promise, but it’s often inconsistent under pressure.
The bowling department has been hit or miss. Haris Rauf leads with 11 wickets but has been expensive, averaging nearly 11 RPO. Rishad Hossain and Sikandar Raza offer support in the middle overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi brings experience and pace.
Qalandars will rely heavily on their top order to set a strong foundation and hope their bowlers can execute better death plans than in their last match. A win here could seal their playoff spot, making this a must-win clash.
Favourite Team to Win Today & Why
| Favourite Team | Why |
|---|---|
| Lahore Qalandars | Stronger batting lineup, better recent performances, and depth in bowling. Crucial for playoff race. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Haris | WK-Batsman | Peshawar Zalmi | Reliable opener; aggressive stroke maker |
| Babar Azam | Batsman | Peshawar Zalmi | Top scorer for Zalmi; consistency under pressure |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batsman | Lahore Qalandars | Leading run-getter; explosive start |
| Abdullah Shafique | Batsman | Lahore Qalandars | Solid technique; effective in powerplay |
| Sikandar Raza | All-rounder | Lahore Qalandars | Valuable runs + 8 wickets; crucial in middle overs |
| Asif Ali | Batsman | Lahore Qalandars | Finisher; capable of turning games with quick runs |
| Luke Wood | Bowler | Peshawar Zalmi | Economical with early breakthroughs |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | Lahore Qalandars | Star pacer; impactful death bowler |
| Rishad Hossain | Bowler | Lahore Qalandars | Wicket-taking potential in middle overs |
| Ali Raza | Bowler | Peshawar Zalmi | Can contribute with bat and ball |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler | Lahore Qalandars | Experienced leader; consistent performer |
Fantasy Explanation:
This fantasy team balances top-order firepower with impactful bowlers. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are must-picks due to their form. Sikandar Raza adds all-round value. Haris Rauf and Luke Wood are key death specialists. Shaheen and Rishad provide wicket-taking options.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Suggested Captain | Suggested Vice-Captain |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam (PSZ) | Fakhar Zaman (LHQ) |
Why?
Both are in excellent form, reliable scorers, and likely to deliver maximum fantasy points.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Ahmed Daniyal (PSZ) | Struggled in last game; leaked runs and didn’t take wickets |
| Daryl Mitchell (LHQ) | No significant impact in last match; not regular starter |
Team Squads
Peshawar Zalmi Squad
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Babar Azam (c), Tom Kohler Cadmore, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Hussain Talat, Luke Wood, Ahmed Daniyal, Arif Yaqoob, Ali Raza, Alzarri Joseph
Lahore Qalandars Squad
Abdullah Shafique (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Kusal Perera (wk), Asif Ali, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rishad Hossain, Asif Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
Probable Playing XI
| Peshawar Zalmi XI | Lahore Qalandars XI |
|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Abdullah Shafique |
| Mohammad Haris (wk) | Fakhar Zaman |
| Babar Azam (c) | Mohammad Naeem |
| Tom Kohler Cadmore | Kusal Perera (wk) |
| Max Bryant | Asif Ali |
| Maaz Sadaqat | Sikandar Raza |
| Hussain Talat | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Luke Wood | Rishad Hossain |
| Ahmed Daniyal | Asif Afridi |
| Arif Yaqoob | Haris Rauf |
| Ali Raza | Zaman Khan |
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: Sunny conditions, toss expected around 8:00 PM IST
- Decision: Batting first is the preferred option due to chasing difficulties later in the day
Winner Prediction
- Favourites: Lahore Qalandars
- Reason: Stronger batting lineup, more balanced bowling attack, and greater urgency to win for playoff qualification
- Prediction: Lahore Qalandars to win and secure a playoff berth
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