ISL vs LAH Head to Head in PSL: As the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicks off with a bang, cricket fans are in for a blockbuster curtain-raiser between two of the league's most iconic franchises - Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars.

The encounter is set to be nothing short of electric, reigniting one of PSL's fiercest rivalries at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Islamabad United, the reigning champions and three-time titleholders, come into the opener riding high on last season's success.

Their eyes firmly set on a record-breaking fourth title, they will aim to set the tone early. Lahore Qalandars, the champions of 2022 and 2023, are on a mission to redeem themselves after a dismal finish last season. With a potent mix of youth and experience, the Qalandars are eager to announce their comeback in style.

Match Details

• Match: Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars, 1st Match
• Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
• Time: 9:00 PM (IST), 8.30 PM (PKT)
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• Broadcast: Sony Sports Network in India
• Live Stream: FanCode in India

Rawalpindi Stadium Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its fast outfields and batting-friendly surfaces, making it a dream venue for stroke-makers. The pitch is expected to offer good bounce and carry, especially under lights, which could aid pacers early on in the innings. However, as the match progresses, batting becomes easier, setting the stage for a high-scoring thriller. Spinners might find some grip later in the game, but their role is likely to be containment rather than domination.

As for the weather, it's shaping up to be perfect for cricket. Forecasts predict mostly cloudy skies with no chance of rain during match hours. The temperature is expected to hover around 26°C with a gentle breeze at 13 km/h and humidity levels around 39%, ensuring ideal playing conditions for both teams. Dew might play a role in the second innings, giving an advantage to the side chasing.

ISL vs LAH Head to Head Record

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Key Stats & Results

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Previews

Islamabad United

Islamabad United enter PSL 2025 not just as defending champions, but as the most successful franchise in league history with three titles under their belt. Led by the ever-reliable Shadab Khan, United have struck a balance between aggressive batting and versatile bowling options.

Their top order will be powered by Colin Munro, a destructive T20 batter known for his explosive starts. In the middle order, Sahibzada Farhan, the highest run-scorer of the National T20 Cup 2025, brings red-hot domestic form - 605 runs at an astonishing strike-rate of 189.65, including three centuries. Finisher Azam Khan remains a vital asset in the death overs, having struck at 252 last season.

On the bowling front, Islamabad are bolstered by the return of ace pacer Naseem Shah, whose raw pace and accuracy will be crucial, especially in Rawalpindi's seamer-friendly conditions. Hunain Shah, his younger brother, impressed last season with early breakthroughs in the powerplay. Overseas recruits like Riley Meredith and Ben Dwarshuis add more firepower to an already sharp pace attack.

All-rounders Imad Wasim and Salman Ali Agha provide depth, while Shadab's own form with bat and ball makes him the heartbeat of this title-contending unit.

Lahore Qalandars

After finishing at the bottom of the table in PSL 2024, Lahore Qalandars are determined to bounce back stronger. With two titles in the last three seasons, their recent legacy remains intact - but the hunger for consistency continues.

Captain Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's pace spearhead, will look to lead from the front. He has had notable success against Islamabad in the past, picking up 15 wickets in this rivalry. With Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan backing him up, Qalandars' fast bowling remains one of the best in the competition. Zaman's exceptional record in Rawalpindi - 8 wickets at an average of 10.50 - makes him a key weapon on this pitch.

With the bat, the spotlight will be on Fakhar Zaman, who is just two runs away from 500 runs against Islamabad United. Although he struggled last season, his past form in Rawalpindi - 158 runs at a strike-rate of 162.89 - signals danger for the opposition.

The middle order has been strengthened with experienced overseas stars like Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings, while David Wiese brings unmatched finishing power, boasting a career death overs strike-rate of over 200 in PSL since 2020.

A new face this season is Kusal Perera, who can provide flair at the top and stability through the middle. Meanwhile, seasoned domestic names like Asif Ali and Abdullah Shafique will play important supporting roles.

Lahore have the talent and experience to turn their fortunes around - the question is, can they execute under pressure?

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Key Players

• Shadab Khan (ISL): 22 wickets & 313 runs vs LQ. Averaged 47 in Rawalpindi last year.
• Fakhar Zaman (LQ): 498 runs vs ISL; 158 at Rawalpindi with SR of 162.89.
• Sahibzada Farhan (ISL): Top scorer in National T20 Cup 2025 - 605 runs, 3 centuries.
• Shaheen Afridi (LQ): 15 wickets vs ISL; 7 wickets at Rawalpindi since 2020.
• David Wiese (LQ): 408 runs at 206 SR in PSL death overs since 2020.
• Azam Khan (ISL): Striking at 252 in death overs last year.

Team News

No major injury concerns reported for either side. Lahore Qalandars are expected to debut Kusal Perera, while Islamabad United welcome back Naseem Shah from injury.

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Squads

Islamabad United: Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (w), Imad Wasim, Jason Holder, Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith, Rumman Raees, Andries Gous, Salman Irshad, Saad Masood, Hunain Shah, Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Short, Mohammad Nawaz.

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Asif Ali, Mohammad Naeem, Muhammad Akhlaq (w), Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Momin Qamar, David Wiese, Sikandar Raza, Tom Curran, Abdullah Shafique, Rishad Hossain, Salman Mirza, Asif Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Azab.