In the 21st game of the ongoing Pakistan Super League season (PSL) X, home side Lahore Qalandars (LQ) will take on Quetta Gladiators (QG) at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on May 1, 2025.
Match Preview:
Both teams had a shaky start to PSL Season X but have hit their stride midway through the tournament. Lahore, riding high on back-to-back victories —including a statement win over table-toppers Islamabad United — will be eager to extend their winning streak to three and seize the top spot from the very leaders they toppled last night. On the other hand, Quetta Gladiators, coming off three consecutive wins, will also be eyeing the top spot by defeating the Qalandars, as they currently sit third on the points table with 8 points.
For the Lahore Qalandars, who had heavily relied on Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique during the Karachi and Rawalpindi legs, a positive shift occurred at the start of the Lahore leg with the resurgence of Daryl Mitchell, Sikandar Raza, and Sam Billings. The middle order, which had long been a concern for the team, finally began to click in recent games. Daryl Mitchell played a key role, scoring a crucial fifty in a thrilling chase against Multan, while Sikandar Raza sealed the victory with some powerful hits in the end. This newfound form in the middle order has been a welcome development for the Qalandars. A significant concern for the Lahore Qalandars this season has been their performances in the emerging category. They gave Mohammad Naeem, a right-handed opener, an opportunity, but so far, he has yet to deliver a performance that would ease the captain’s concerns. Additionally, they experimented with Mohammad Azab, a left-arm fast bowler, in a match against Zalmi, but the move didn’t yield the desired results.
However, the Lahore Qalandars can take great satisfaction in the performance of their captain, Shaheen Afridi, during this year’s PSL. Although he hasn’t accumulated many wickets, his exceptional form with the new ball has played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the team’s victories. Shaheen has consistently provided the Qalandars with crucial early breakthroughs, making him a key asset in their bowling attack.
Quetta Gladiators’ bowling attack has hit top form, particularly in recent matches where they defended 142 against Karachi Kings, dismissed Multan Sultans for just 89, and bowled out Peshawar Zalmi for 114. The turnaround has coincided with the inclusion of Khurram Shehzad and the return of Mohammad Wasim to the XI, making the Gladiators’ bowling unit look virtually unstoppable. Khurram Shehzad has been outstanding, claiming 8 wickets in just three games, while his partnership with Mohammad Amir with the new ball has been lethal — both delivering with deadly accuracy, aided by the grass-covered pitches at Gaddafi Stadium. In the middle overs, Abrar Ahmed’s clever finger spin has been instrumental, not only in containing runs but also in breaking partnerships. At the death, Mohammad Wasim’s ability to hit pinpoint yorkers have proven highly effective, giving Quetta a well-rounded and potent bowling force.
The major concern for Quetta Gladiators continues to be their batting, where inconsistency has hampered their progress, especially with overseas stars like Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw failing to deliver meaningful contributions. This frailty was evident the last time these two sides faced off during the Rawalpindi leg in the fourth game of the season, where Lahore Qalandars handed Quetta a comprehensive 79-run defeat.
Probable Playing XI:
Lahore Qalandars:
Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Sam Billings (WK), Sikandar Raza, Daryl Mitchell, Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (C), Asif Afridi, Haris Rauf, Tom Curran
Quetta Gladiators:
Saud Shakeel (C), Rilee Rossouw, Kusal Mendis (WK), Mark Chapman, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, Finn Allen
Pitch and weather report:
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium this PSL season has been competitive and supportive for both batters and bowlers. The surface favors fast bowlers early on, with most parts of the pitch covered with healthy grass. The new ball offers good seam movement, helping pacers pick up early wickets. However, after the powerplay, once the ball softens a little, it comes onto the bat more nicely. Batting becomes easier as the innings progress, especially in the first innings. The team batting first has won three out of five matches in this year’s PSL season.
As for the weather, Thursday is expected to be sunny with a few clouds. Conditions during the match are likely to remain dry, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 34°C and humidity at approximately 30%.
Head-to-head record:
In their head-to-head encounters in the Pakistan Super League, both teams have been evenly matched, with each winning 9 out of the 18 matches they’ve played so far.
Prediction:
Both teams have found their rhythm after a slow start to the tournament. Quetta has won their last three games, while Lahore has secured victories in their last two. Both sides are in red-hot form, but with Lahore coming off a big win against table-toppers Islamabad and playing in front of their home crowd, they will be favorites to beat the Quetta Gladiators.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan (TV): A Sports HD, PTV Sports
Pakistan (Live Streaming): tapmad, Tamasha, Daraz, myco, bogn
UK: Sky Sports, Geo News (Sky 734)
North America: Willow
Africa: SuperSport
MENA Region: myco
Bangladesh: T Sports
India (Linear TV): Sony Sports Network
India (Digital): FanCode
Sri Lanka & Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
Rest of the World: Sports Central
