PSL Match Prediction | Pakistan Super League, 2025 | Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars | Match 1 | April 11 – Who do you think will get the first victory?

IU vs LQ Match Analysis

Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars will play each other in the Pakistan Super League 2025‘s 1st game on April 11, 2025, at 09:00 PM BST at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. 

Islamabad United will aim to carry forward their momentum from last season as they head into the tournament opener. With a solid and in-form batting unit, IU appears to have the upper hand in this matchup. However, it remains to be seen whether LQ can spring a surprise and kick off their campaign with an upset.

The Lahore Qalandars had a disappointing campaign in 2024, finishing at the bottom of the standings, and they’ll be eager to move on from that. With just one win in 10 matches last season, that underwhelming performance is likely to weigh on the players’ minds. While their batting lineup appears promising, their bowling department lacks the same strength this time around.

IU vs LQ Team Preview & Squads

Islamabad United

Islamabad United will be eager to kick off their title defense with a victory. After peaking at the right moment last season and securing a record third championship, they enter this tournament as one of the strongest contenders, having retained their core squad. Although their head-to-head record against Lahore Qalandars isn’t favorable, captain Shadab Khan is counting on a clinical performance from his side to begin the campaign on a strong note.

The inclusion of Matthew Short bolsters the top order, and he’ll aim to set the tone alongside Colin Munro. Shadab Khan, who led by example last season, will look to stabilize the middle order with Salman Agha and Azam Khan. The team will also count on impactful contributions from finishers like Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, and Jason Holder in the lower middle order.

With the ball, Naseem Shah and Ben Dwarshuis will target early breakthroughs to put Lahore on the back foot. Jason Holder’s experience will be vital during the middle overs, where he’ll combine with Shadab to apply pressure. Supporting bowlers Hunain Shah and Imad Wasim will focus on keeping things tight and maintaining control.

Islamabad United Squads

Islamabad United Squads

Azam Khan, Andries Gous, Haider Ali, Colin Munro, Sahibzada Farhan, Matthew Short, Rassie van der Dussen, Shadab Khan, Agha Salman, Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Shahzad, Saad Masood, Ben Dwarshuis, Hunain Shah, Riley Meredith, Naseem Shah, Rumman Raees, Salman Irshad. 

Lahore Qalandars

Lahore Qalandars had a forgettable campaign last season, finishing at the bottom of the table with just a single win. Captain Shaheen Afridi will be keen for his side to move past that disappointing run and start afresh with a strong performance. Facing a formidable Islamabad United won’t be easy, and Afridi will demand an aggressive and determined approach from his players.

Several changes have been made to the squad, and the team will rely on Fakhar Zaman and Kusal Perera to give them a solid start. Abdullah Shafique’s role at No. 3 will be crucial in anchoring the innings and forming key partnerships with Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza. Big hitters like Shaheen Afridi and David Wiese will be expected to finish strongly.

With the ball, Afridi will look to strike early in tandem with Zaman Khan. Sikandar Raza and Asif Afridi are likely to thrive on a surface that favors their bowling styles. After a disappointing performance from the support attack last year, the team will hope Haris Rauf and David Wiese can tighten things up and control the flow of runs in the middle overs.

Lahore Qalandars Squads 

Lahore Qalandars Squads

Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Sam Billings, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Naeem, Kusal Perera, Asif Afridi, Tom Curran, Jahandad Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Rishad Hossain, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Azab, Momin Qamar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zaman Khan. 

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars outfield report 

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

At this location, bowling first has been the key to success. Teams have protected scores at this location relatively infrequently. During the toss, both captains will be thinking about this, and the team that wins will choose to bowl first.

The bowlers will be encouraged by the cloud cover that will be present over Rawalpindi. 

The wicket has been favorable for the batsmen, enabling them to play their strokes because the ball has come onto the bat nicely. The team batting first will try to achieve 180 runs, which is the average score for the first innings.

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 matches, IU won 1 game, and LQ won 4. 

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that Islamabad United has a 56% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.