PSL 10 Qualifier 2: Islamabad United to Face Lahore Qalandars on May 23

LAHORE: The stage is all set for an exciting contest between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United in Qualifier 2 of PSL 10 at Gaddafi Stadium this Friday. With a combined total of five PSL titles between them, both teams are eager to face Quetta Gladiators in the final on May 25.

Since the league’s beginning in 2016, these two teams have clashed 21 times. Islamabad United have a slight advantage, having won 11 matches compared to Lahore Qalandars’ 10 victories.

Islamabad United’s Strengths

Islamabad United’s batting order is filled with aggressive batsmen. Colin Munro, Rassie van der Dussen, and Sahibzada Farhan have consistently troubled opposing bowlers throughout the season. Sahibzada Farhan has been particularly impressive, leading the PSL 10 in runs with 446 in 11 matches, averaging 40.54 with a strike rate of 153.79, including one century and three half-centuries. Furthermore, he has scored 1,051 runs in the T20 format this year, averaging 65.68 with a strike rate of 172.57.

The spin combination of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim has also been crucial for United’s bowling efforts, taking 14 and 13 wickets, respectively. Shadab has a strong record against Lahore Qalandars, having taken 22 wickets and scored 313 runs in past PSL matches. Colin Munro has also been a key performer against Qalandars, scoring 213 runs.

Lahore Qalandars’ Key Players

For Lahore Qalandars, opener Fakhar Zaman poses a significant threat. He is currently second in PSL 10 run-scoring, having made 416 runs in 11 games with a strike rate of 156.39, including four half-centuries. The left-handed batsman has an impressive record against United, having accumulated 498 runs, with a highest score of 115.

The bowling attack, consisting of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Zaman Khan, forms a strong trio. Rauf and Shaheen have each taken 15 wickets against United, while Zaman has taken 13 wickets.

Abdullah Shafique is another player to watch, especially after his explosive innings of 65 off 35 balls against Karachi Kings. He has scored 324 runs in 11 games with a strike rate of 153.55, including three half-centuries.

Historical Performances
  • Islamabad United’s highest score against Qalandars is 238/3, achieved in Karachi in 2019, driven by Cameron Delport’s 117 off 60 balls.
  • Lahore Qalandars’ highest PSL score against United is 226/5, recorded in Rawalpindi, featuring Fakhar Zaman’s 115 off 57 deliveries and Rashid Khan’s four wickets.
  • Islamabad United’s lowest score against Lahore Qalandars is 90, at Gaddafi Stadium in 2023.
  • Qalandars’ lowest score against United is 121, in Sharjah in 2019, which United won in a super over after a tie.