PSL 2025: Match 1, Islamabad United (ISL) Predicted Playing XI vs Lahore Qalandars

The opening game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is set to take place on Friday, April 11 between defending champions Islamabad United (IU) and Lahore Qalandars (LQ) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. There will be some big players to watch out for in this upcoming encounter.

The Islamabad United will be the team who will be the favourites especially after their performance last season where they went on to shock everyone after scraping through to the playoffs and ending up winning their third title. They are currently the most successful team in the tournament and will be looking to add one more trophy to their cabinet come May 18.

There are some promising players in the Islamabad squad, and it is time to discuss which players could make up a strong playing XI against LQ. The Shadab Khan-led side is already looking strong for the upcoming season, and some of these players are capable of playing a huge role in their title defence.

Here is the predicted XI for Islamabad United -

Openers: Colin Munro, Sahibzada Farhan

The last season saw the Islamabad franchise settle for two overseas openers; however, it seems like with the exclusion of Martin Guptill and Alex Hales there is going to be some change in strategy. They have included Sahibzada Farhan in the squad who had done well in the last season as an opener for Lahore. It seems like this will be the strong possible opening pair they will go with.

Colin Munro was the leading run scorer for IU last season with 326 runs and had a strike rate of 138.72. Farhan also had a decent season with 266 runs, averaging 38 and striking at 133.66. It will be interesting to see the result of this new opening pair.

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Middle order: Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk)

The middle order is very important in the shortest format of the game, and this is the perfect middle order the franchise might go with. While Salman Agha can hold one end at the crease both Van der Dussen and Azam Khan can play their fearless style of cricket and put pressure on the opposition.

Agha was one of the best batters for Islamabad United last season and Van der Dussen and Azam Khan batting around him will take pressure off him and he can continue to mesmerize the fans with his incredible stroke-play.

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All-rounders: Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim

Shadab Khan was not only a magnificent leader, but he was the star of the tournament as well. Apart from being a brilliant leg-spinner, he proves his worth with the bat as well. Jason Holder will also be making his debut in the tournament, and he could be a vital performer for them with his experience. Imad Wasim has also proven to be a reliable player for the team.

Holder and Wasim will add that extra depth to both the batting and the bowling lineup where along with the United skipper they can also score crucial runs and take wickets at any stage, whether it is in the powerplay, middle overs or at the death.

Bowlers: Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis, Rumman Raees

These three will be the bowlers who will most likely be picked. Naseem Shah was phenomenal for United in the last season he played. The likes of vice captain Rumman Raees and Ben Dwarshuis will add more depth to the team as well, where Raees has a lot of experience playing in Pakistan and Dwarshuis is known for his ability to take wickets.

Naseem was the leading wicket-taker for the side in 2024 and Dwarshuis has great numbers in T20 cricket. These three will most likely be the bowlers who will make up the pace attack for the team going into the tournament.

Islamabad United predicted playing XI against Lahore Qalandars

Colin Munro, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis, Rumman Raees.