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The Qualifier 1 of the Pakistan Super League 2025 will see the Red-hot Quetta Gladiators take on Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore . Quetta have been the standout team this season, winning seven out of ten matches and entering the playoffs with a solid momentum. They defeated Multan Sultans in their last game and are aiming for an unbeaten run to directly book their spot in the final.
Islamabad United, despite being the defending champions, had a shaky finish in the group stage but managed to secure the second playoff spot. They bounced back strongly against Karachi Kings in their last match, thanks to stellar performances from Alex Hales , Sahibzada Farhan , and captain Shadab Khan . With both teams eyeing a place in the grand finale, this clash promises high intensity and top-quality cricket.
Match Details
| Event | PSL 2025 – Qualifier 1 |
|---|---|
| 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
Quetta Gladiators Preview
Quetta Gladiators have been the most consistent side in PSL 2025 , winning 7 out of 10 games and finishing as Group A toppers . Their batting has been led by young sensation Hasan Nawaz , who has scored 317 runs at an average of 63.40 , including two half-centuries. He has often taken charge after a cautious start by openers Saud Shakeel and Khawaja Nafay , who provide stability and aggression respectively.
Middle-order contributors like Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, and Danish Aziz ensure that the scoreboard keeps ticking even when early wickets fall. The team also benefits from all-round contributions, especially from Faheem Ashraf , who chips in with vital runs and crucial wickets.
In bowling, Abrar Ahmed leads the attack with 15 wickets at an average of 18.20 , making him one of the top spinners in the tournament. Faheem Ashraf (14 wickets) and Khurram Shahzad offer pace and control upfront, while Usman Tariq provides variation in the middle overs.
With a strong squad balance and a dominant head-to-head record against Islamabad United, Quetta enter this knockout match as firm favorites.
Islamabad United Preview
Islamabad United started the tournament impressively but lost form in the latter half of the group stage, slipping from first to second place. However, they bounced back in their last league game with a commanding win over Karachi Kings, thanks to blistering knocks from Alex Hales (88 off 35) and Sahibzada Farhan (73 off 41) .
Farhan has been the backbone of United’s batting, scoring 394 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 154.50 , with one century and three fifties . Hales adds firepower at the top, while Rassie van der Dussen and Shadab Khan anchor the innings in the middle order.
The bowling unit is led by skipper Shadab Khan , who claimed 4/45 in his last outing. His leg-spin remains crucial, especially during middle overs. Pacers Salman Irshad and Ben Dwarshuis offer pace and swing early on, while Imad Wasim provides control and experience.
Despite their inconsistency, United still possess match-winning talent across the line-up. If their key players fire together, they can challenge even the mighty Quetta Gladiators in this must-win contest.
Favorite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Favourite Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Quetta Gladiators | Quetta have been the most consistent team in PSL 2025, with seven wins from ten games and a superior head-to-head record against United. Their balanced lineup, disciplined bowling led by Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf, and in-form batters like Hasan Nawaz make them strong contenders. While Islamabad United have quality players like Shadab Khan and Alex Hales, they’ve been inconsistent lately. Quetta’s confidence, form, and strategy make them the team to beat in this Qualifier 1 clash. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Name | Role | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Shadab Khan | Captain | All-rounder; took 4 wickets in last game and scores valuable runs. |
| Alex Hales | Opener | Power-hitter; smashed 88 off 35 balls in previous match. |
| Hasan Nawaz | Batsman | Top run-getter for QTG; averages over 60 and sets strong foundation. |
| Khawaja Nafay | Opener | Explosive start-maker; scored 51 off 26 balls in last game. |
| Saud Shakeel | Batsman | Experienced opener; controls tempo and builds partnerships. |
| Rilee Rossouw | Middle Order | Finisher; good under pressure; steady presence in middle overs. |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | Leading wicket-taker; takes regular wickets and bowls economically. |
| Salman Irshad | Bowler | Express pacer; impactful new-ball spell and useful lower-order hitter. |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-Rounder | Valuable with bat and ball; contributes consistently in crunch moments. |
| Imad Wasim | Spinner | Smart variations; offers control and experience in middle overs. |
| Usman Tariq | Bowler | Right-arm seamer; effective death bowler and handy tail-end batsman. |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : Shadab Khan – Star performer with both bat and ball.
- Vice-Captain : Alex Hales – Game-changer with explosive strokeplay.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy
- Dinesh Chandimal – Inconsistent returns and low strike rate recently.
- Haider Ali – Unreliable form and not getting enough time at the crease.
Squads & Probable Playing XI
Quetta Gladiators Squad
Saud Shakeel (c), Khawaja Nafay, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Danish Aziz, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Khurram Shahzad.
| Probable XI |
|---|
| Saud Shakeel (c) |
| Khawaja Nafay |
| Avishka Fernando |
| Dinesh Chandimal (wk) |
| Hasan Nawaz |
| Danish Aziz |
| Abrar Ahmed |
| Faheem Ashraf |
| Usman Tariq |
| Khurram Shahzad |
| Mohammad Wasim Jnr. |
Islamabad United Squad
Shadab Khan (c), Alex Hales, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, Haider Ali, Ben Dwarshuis, Salman Irshad, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Imad Wasim, Tymal Mills.
| Probable XI |
|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan |
| Alex Hales |
| Shadab Khan (c) |
| Rassie van der Dussen |
| Salman Agha |
| Ghazi Ghori (wk) |
| Salman Irshad |
| Imad Wasim |
| Ben Dwarshuis |
| Tymal Mills |
| Haider Ali |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium has supported balanced cricket , favoring both bowlers and batters depending on the phase of the game. Early on, pace bowlers get movement , making it ideal to bowl first. Spinners come into play during the middle overs, while chasing teams have enjoyed success due to dew affecting grip later in the game.
- Average First-Innings Score: ~160
- Best Strategy: Batting second gives a slight edge, as majority of matches here have been won by chasing sides .
Toss Prediction
- Expected Winner of Toss: Quetta Gladiators (Slight Home Advantage)
- Preferred Decision: Bowl First – Teams batting second have a better record at this venue in PSL 2025.
Winner Prediction
Quetta Gladiators have shown superior consistency throughout the tournament and have dominated Islamabad United in previous meetings. With a strong batting lineup and a reliable bowling attack, they are well-prepared for the knockout stage. Although Islamabad United have individual brilliance, their recent inconsistency could prove costly.
Prediction: Quetta Gladiators to win Qualifier 1 and seal a place in the PSL 2025 Final.
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