PSL Match Prediction | Pakistan Super League, 2025 | Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars | Qualifier-2 | May 23 – A High-Stakes Showdown Awaits for IU and LQ

IU vs LQ Match Analysis

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is poised for a thrilling climax as Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars face off in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 23. This high-stakes encounter will commence at 8:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) under the lights of the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Islamabad United enters this crucial match after a setback in Qualifier 1 against Quetta Gladiators, where they fell short by 30 runs despite a valiant effort.

On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars are riding high on momentum, having secured a convincing six-wicket victory over Karachi Kings in the Eliminator.

The winner of this contest will earn the right to challenge Quetta Gladiators in the final, slated for Sunday, May 25, at the same venue. As the PSL 2025 season approaches its culmination, fans can anticipate a fiercely competitive match, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the championship decider.

IU vs LQ Team Preview & Squads

Islamabad United

Islamabad United will rely heavily on their strong batting lineup to deliver the goods in Qualifier 2. Key players like Sahibzada Farhan, Alex Hales, Salman Agha, Rassie van der Dussen, Shadab Khan, James Neesham, and Haider Ali are expected to play leading roles in setting or chasing a competitive total.

In the previous Qualifier match, Sahibzada Farhan continued his excellent run of form with the bat. He scored a fluent 52 off just 35 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a six. Rassie van der Dussen also played a handy knock, scoring 35 from 23 balls with four fours and two sixes.

Salman Agha added further strength to the innings with a spirited 44 off 26 deliveries, striking three boundaries and two sixes.

On the bowling front, IU will count on Salman Irshad, Tymal Mills, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and captain Shadab Khan to take key wickets and put pressure on the opposition.

Among them, Salman Irshad stood out in the last match, delivering a solid performance by picking up 2 wickets for 34 runs in his four overs, once again proving to be United’s most reliable bowler in crunch situations.

Islamabad United Squads

Islamabad United Squads

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

Lahore Qalandars

Lahore Qalandars will look to their experienced batting unit to lead the way in their crucial Qualifier 2 match. The team will rely on the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Naeem Khan, Kusal Perera, Shakib Al Hasan, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa to put up a strong performance with the bat.

In the Eliminator 1 clash, Abdullah Shafique stole the spotlight with a brilliant innings, scoring 65 runs off just 35 balls, which included three boundaries and five towering sixes. His effort was well complemented by opener Fakhar Zaman, who laid a solid foundation with a quick-fire 47 off 28 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes.

On the bowling side, LQ will count on Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zaman Khan, and Shakib Al Hasan to make key breakthroughs and keep the opposition under pressure.

During the knockout match, fast bowler Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 35 in his four-over spell, once again underlining his value in high-stakes games.

Lahore Qalandars Squads

Lahore Qalandars Squads

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

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars outfield report

gaddafi stadium, lahore

Both teams will be trying to win the crucial toss and bat first on this surface, depending on the outcome of the qualifier match.

With sunny skies and mild winds, Friday’s game is expected to have ideal conditions.

There will be something for the slow bowlers on the wicket set up for the elimination match. The hitting conditions at Gaddafi Stadium will undoubtedly be enjoyable for the batsman.

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

In their last 5 matches, IU won 2 games, and LQ won 3.

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Prediction

Cricket analysts predict that Lahore Qalandars have a 51% chance of winning.