PSL Match Prediction | Pakistan Super League 2025 | Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United | Qualifier 1 | May 21 – QG Aim to Extend Unbeaten Streak Against IU’s Resurgent Lineup.

QG vs IU Match Analysis

The in-form Quetta Gladiators will clash with Islamabad United in the high-stakes Qualifier 1, set to take place at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday at 9 PM BST, to secure a spot in the 2025 Pakistan Super League final.

Quetta Gladiators have emerged as the dominant force in this year’s Pakistan Super League. Following a gritty triumph over Multan Sultans on Sunday, the QG will be determined to preserve their unblemished record and secure a direct berth in the tournament’s grand finale.

Islamabad United concluded their round-robin campaign with a commanding victory over Karachi Kings, propelled by stellar performances from captain Shadab Khan and openers Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan. Skipper Shadab Khan will be eager for IU to deliver a top-tier performance in this crucial Qualifier 1 encounter.

QG vs IU Team Preview & Squads

Quetta Gladiators

The Gladiators have distinguished themselves as the standout team of the season, securing seven victories from ten matches thus far. The batting unit will heavily rely on emerging talent Hasan Nawaz, who has amassed 317 runs at an impressive average of 63.40, alongside the experienced Rilee Rossouw, who has contributed 234 runs at a solid average of 39.00. The opening partnership of Saud Shakeel and Khawaja Nafay will be tasked with providing a steady and assertive start at the top of the order.

On the bowling front, the Gladiators will look to the quartet of Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, Usman Tariq, and Abrar Ahmed to deliver pivotal breakthroughs in this high-stakes encounter.

Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has spearheaded the bowling attack, currently leading the team’s wicket-taking charts with 15 scalps at an average of 18.20. Complementing him, seam-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has proven effective with the new ball, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 19.07.

Quetta Gladiators Squads 

Quetta Gladiators

Mohammad Zeeshan, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Amir, Akeal Hosein, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Mark Chapman, Abrar Ahmed, Sean Abbott, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Wasim, Kyle Jamieson, Finn Allen, Shoaib Malik, Rilee Rossouw, Khurram Shahzad, Saud Shakeel, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis 

Islamabad United

After launching their title defense with a strong start, Islamabad United experienced a dip in consistency during the latter stages of the tournament. Although they were the second team to secure a playoff berth, the defending champions will need to elevate their overall performance with both bat and ball in this pivotal Qualifier 1 clash.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan has been the standout performer with the bat, emerging as the team’s most prolific run-scorer. Striking at an impressive rate of 154.50, he has accumulated 394 runs in 10 matches, including one century and two half-centuries, making him the linchpin of United’s batting lineup.

Complementing Farhan’s exploits, Alex Hales delivered a ferocious knock of 88 off just 39 deliveries, peppered with six boundaries and eight towering sixes. Skipper Shadab Khan also contributed a blistering 42 off 19 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes, further bolstering the middle order.

In the bowling department, United will look to the experienced quintet of Salman Irshad, Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Tymal Mills to make critical inroads and maintain pressure on the opposition.

In their final round-robin fixture, leg-spinner Shadab Khan led the charge with the ball, registering figures of 4 for 45 in his allotted overs. Pacer Salman Irshad also impressed with a sharp spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 28 runs in 3.2 overs, underlining United’s bowling depth heading into the playoffs.

Islamabad United Squads 

Islamabad United

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

Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United outfield report

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Winning the toss and bowling first will be the goals of both teams. This season, the team batting second has won the majority of the games played at Gaddafi. The game’s weather forecast calls for clear skies and mild winds in the evening.

Over the last 10 games played in the current Pakistan Super League, the average first-inning score at Gaddafi Stadium has been about 160 runs. The bowlers will find something to enjoy on the track at Lahore’s Gaddafi Cricket Stadium. Although there hasn’t been much scoring in the games, runs have been coming in at a respectable pace.  

Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 matches, QG won 3 and IU won 1. 

Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that Quetta Gladiators have 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.