Fakhar Zaman Returns As Shaheen Afridi's Men Put Into Bat By Islamabad

Fakhar Zaman returns [Source: @rizalreadywon/X.com]

The wait is over as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is set to begin with a mouth-watering clash between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Stadium. The two teams are the favourites for the trophy and will kick-start things in grand fashion as the 10th season commences.

What happened at toss time?

Islamabad United captain, Shadab Khan won the toss and he elected to bowl first on a wicket which will stay the same throughout the game. For Lahore, Fakhar Zaman returns to cricket as the southpaw was injured and ruled out of the Champions Trophy.

 "We will bowl first. This is the first game and we don't know how the pitch will play. We've seen the stats. The chasing teams have done well," Shadab said at toss time.

Lahore, on the other hand are handing debuts to four players - Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Sam Billings, and Daryl Mitchell. They will look to pile on a big score against a strong chasing team in Islamabad.

"Everyone is very excited. Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Billings, and Mitchell are our four debutants. Fakhar Zaman is fully fit — and even if he isn’t, he’s still half-fit enough to be a threat to any team!," Shaheen stated.

Islamabad Vs Lahore playing XIs

Islamabad United Playing XI: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Agha Salman, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith

Lahore Qalandars Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (c), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi

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