Shadab To Captain, Naseem Shah To Lead Attack; Islamabad United Probable XI vs Lahore

Islamabad United Probable Playing XI vs LHQ [Source: @usama_mali30137/X.com]

For the opening match of the PSL 2025 season, Lahore Qalandars will lock horns against Islamabad United at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match will be held on April 11 and will begin from 8.30 PM IST.

Islamabad United is the most successful franchise in the history of PSL, winning 3 titles in 2016, 2018 and 2024. Last year, they won their third title after beating Multan Sultans in the epic finale.

Hence, the defending champions will be under pressure to defend their title this year. Here’s what their probable playing XI could look like for the upcoming game against Lahore Qalandars.

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Colin Munro To Open, Salman Agha In Middle Order

For Islamabad United, Colin Munro and Sahibzada Farhan are likely to open the innings. As a seasoned T20 campaigner, Munro complements Matthew Short, who might come at no.3, with his powerful stroke play against both pace and spin. 

For the middle-order, United will largely have to rely on all-rounders. Salman Ali Agha is a composed and adaptable batter and serves as the glue between the top order and the power hitters. If he can knit a good partnership, United can aim for big totals consistently. 

Shadab Khan, the skipper, will play a crucial role in ensuring good finishes as a lower-middle-order batter. His experience is the key to United’s success.

(Shadab Khan Career Performance In PSL)

Azam Khan To Play As A Finisher

That being said, Islamabad United has designated a finisher in Azam Khan. With his hard-hitting approach, Azam is a game-changer in the latter stages of the innings. Imad Wasim is another experienced all-rounder who can hit freely in death overs.

Naseem Shah Will Be In Charge Of Pace Attack

From the bowling front, Naseem Shah will lead Islamabad United’s pace attack. He brings raw pace and early breakthroughs with the new ball and is a perfect aggressive wicket-taking option. Next up is Ben Dwarshuis who is a left-arm seamer and can be vital on slower pitches with his variations. Hunain Shah is a promising young quick and is emerging as a dependable option for tough overs in the latter stages. 

(Naseem Shah Career Performance In PSL)

While United has depth in the bowling department, the form of veterans like Shadab and Imad remain a big concern.

Islamabad United's Probable XI Vs Lahore Qalandars

Colin Munro, Sahibzada Farhan, Matthew Short, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (C), Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, Riley Meredith

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