PSL Match Prediction | Pakistan Super League, 2025 | Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars | Eliminator | May 22 – LQ and KK Set for High-Stakes Clash at Gaddafi Stadium.

KK vs LQ Match Analysis

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 playoffs are heating up, and all eyes are now on the high-stakes Eliminator match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings. Scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), the game will take place under the lights at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This knockout clash pits the third and fourth-placed teams from the league stage against each other, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 and the loser exiting the tournament. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and this encounter promises to be a thrilling battle as they vie for a spot in the final.

Karachi Kings scored 172 runs in 18.2 overs during their 30th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 against Islamabad United on May 19 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Despite KK’s efforts, they fell short of the 252-run target set by Islamabad United, resulting in a 79-run defeat.

Lahore Qalandars scored 149 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs during their 29th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 against Peshawar Zalmi on May 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Despite a strong 60-run performance from Fakhar Zaman, the LQ’s total proved sufficient as they bowled out Peshawar Zalmi for 123 runs, securing a 26-run victory and confirming their playoff spot.

KK vs LQ Team Preview & Squads

Karachi Kings

The Kings currently hold the third position in the points table, with six wins and four losses. However, their net run rate is a concern, especially after the heavy defeat to Islamabad United. This places additional pressure on their upcoming matches to secure a spot in the final.

The top order has been inconsistent, with key players like David Warner and Tim Seifert failing to convert starts into substantial scores in recent matches. Building partnerships and setting a solid foundation will be crucial in upcoming fixtures. The middle order has often been exposed too early, leading to collapses. Players like Khushdil Shah and Arafat Minhas need to play more anchor roles and accelerate the scoring in the latter overs.

While Abbas Afridi has been impressive with 17 wickets, the rest of the bowling unit needs to support him better. Ensuring that they bowl in partnerships and execute plans effectively will be key to containing opposition batsmen.

Karachi Kings Squads

Karachi Kings

Arafat Minhas, Zahid Mahmood, James Vince, Mohammad Nabi, Omair Yousuf, Tim Seifert, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, David Warner, Irfan Khan, Litton Das, Shan Masood, Adam Milne, Aamer Jamal, Kane Williamson, Muhammad Riazullah, Fawad Ali, Mir Hamza  

Lahore Qalandars

The Qalandars have demonstrated resilience this season, they are positioned fourth in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 standings, with a record of 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no result, totaling 11 points. Their net run rate (NRR) stands at 1.036.

Moving to the batting department, Fakhar Zaman has been consistent. The team needs contributions from other top-order batsmen like Abdullah Shafique and Kusal Perera to set a solid foundation. Players such as Sikandar Raza and David Wiese must anchor the innings and accelerate when necessary, ensuring the team posts competitive totals.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf lead a formidable pace attack. Supporting bowlers like Zaman Khan and Asif Afridi should maintain pressure and take key wickets at crucial moments. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s experience and decision-making will be pivotal in navigating the high-pressure situations typical of playoff matches.

Lahore Qalandars Squads 

Lahore Qalandars

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

Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars outfield report 

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Six of the previous ten games played at this location have been won by teams that bowl first. The chasing team has won the last three games in a row. Both sides should support themselves to chase down a total because their batting lineups are loaded with firepower.

On the day of the match, Lahore will see sunshine and a high of 45 degrees Celsius. Around the time of the match, though, the temperature should drop below 40 degrees. We anticipate a full and uninterrupted game with no rain predicted throughout play.

The bat and ball are competing equally on this well-balanced wicket. In the last five games played here, the average first-inning scoring has been 155 runs. Only Kings and Qalandars have scored more than 200 runs on this field. Anything above 180-185 runs, in our opinion, will be a very competitive total for this field.

KK vs LQ Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 matches, KK won 4 and LQ won 1 

Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that the Karachi Kings have a 51% 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.