Fakhar To Open, Shaheen To Captain; Lahore Qalandars Probable XI Vs Islamabad United

Lahore Qalandars probable XI [Source: @lahoreqalandars/X.com]

PSL 2025 edition will open with a big clash between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. The tournament opener will begin on April 11 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 8.30 PM IST.

2-time PSL champions, Lahore Qalandars will aim for redemption this year. In 2024, they had a season to forget, finishing at the bottom of the table with just 1 win in 10 games.

But this year, they have developed a strong team under the captaincy of Shaheen Afridi. This is how their playing XI against United might appear.

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Fakhar To Open, Daryl Mitchell To Anchor Middle-Order

Lahore Qalandars have retained Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique who will likely open the batting for Lahore. Zaman, however, is returning from an injury and hence his form and fitness are under the scanner. With limited match practice, his role at the top becomes a concern. If he misfires, Lahore could struggle early in their innings.

Shafique has been playing PSL for a long time. But his consistency has been an issue. That being said, in case the openers misfire, Qalandars have an experienced no.3 in Daryl Mitchell. The New Zealander has vast experience and success in white ball format which is a boost for Lahore.

Next in batting is Sam Billings and Asif Ali. Both are great hitters of the game and if they manage to finish, Qalandars will be in good hands.

Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf To Lead Pace Attack

For the bowling attack, captain Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will be in action. Both share 169 wickets combined in PSL and are the most experienced fast bowlers in the present Pakistan cricket circuit. 

But the area of concern for Lahore Qalandars is the spin department. Though Rishad Hossain is a good prospect, Momin Qamar does not have T20 experience. This can cost them on spin-friendly surfaces or in middle overs where control matters most.

Despite the concerns around spin and Fakhar’s form, Lahore’s explosive pace attack and experienced batting lineup make them genuine winning contenders against Islamabad United.

Lahore Qalandars Probable Starting XI Vs Islamabad United

Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Asif Ali, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (c), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Rishad Hossain, Zaman Khan

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