As the Pakistan Super League 2025 reaches its halfway point, Match 22 brings a high-stakes encounter between two seasoned franchises – Peshawar Zalmi (PES) and Islamabad United (ISL). Scheduled for May 2, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, this match is set to reignite one of PSL’s most intense rivalries.
Match Details
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Match: Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United, Match 22, PSL 2025
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Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
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Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Time: 7:00 PM (PST)
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Broadcast: A Sports, PTV Sports, Daraz App
Head-to-Head Overview
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Matches Played: 25
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Islamabad United Wins: 13
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Peshawar Zalmi Wins: 12
Islamabad United holds a narrow 13-12 edge in head-to-head meetings. The rivalry has been closely contested over the years, with ISL winning the last three meetings, including a 102-run thrashing earlier this season and a clutch eliminator in PSL 2024.
Team Overviews
Peshawar Zalmi (PES):
Led by Babar Azam, Zalmi features a power-packed batting lineup with Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris providing the fireworks at the top. In the middle, Babar’s composure is key. Alzarri Joseph and George Linde lead the bowling unit, capable of troubling any lineup with pace and spin variety.
Islamabad United (ISL):
Shadab Khan captains a side that thrives on aggressive batting and all-round balance. Sahibzada Farhan has been a standout performer, while Colin Munro adds stability and experience. Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, and Rumman Raees round out a versatile bowling attack.
Key Players to Watch
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Sahibzada Farhan (ISL): Scored a match-winning 106 earlier this season against Zalmi. His early strokeplay sets the tone.
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Babar Azam (PES): The most reliable figure for Zalmi. A steady knock from him often translates to strong totals.
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Imad Wasim (ISL): Dangerous both with the bat and ball. Known for finishing games and strangling middle overs.
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Alzarri Joseph (PES): Zalmi’s pace spearhead, Joseph has the potential to rattle ISL’s top order if conditions support him.
Probable Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi
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Saim Ayub
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Mohammad Haris (wk)
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Babar Azam (c)
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Tom Kohler-Cadmore
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Rovman Powell
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Aamir Jamal
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George Linde
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Wahab Riaz
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Arif Yaqoob
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Alzarri Joseph
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Salman Irshad
Islamabad United
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Colin Munro
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Haider Ali
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Azam Khan (wk)
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Shadab Khan (c)
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Imad Wasim
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Faheem Ashraf
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Tom Curran
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Naseem Shah
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Rumman Raees
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Hunain Shah
Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The Lahore surface continues to favor batting, especially in evening games. Flat with good bounce and carry, totals above 180 are common. However, early overs under lights can offer movement for fast bowlers. Dew is likely to play a role in the second innings, making chasing slightly easier.
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Average 1st innings score: 180-plus
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Toss: Win toss and bowl first could be the smarter choice
Probable Scenarios
If Peshawar Zalmi bat first:
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Powerplay score: 55-65
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Final total: 185-195
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Likely outcome: Tight match, PES slight favorites while defending
If Islamabad United bat first:
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Powerplay score: 60-70
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Final total: 190-210
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Likely outcome: ISL to edge out PES with strong middle-order performance
Match Prediction
Islamabad United have recent history and current form on their side, especially with Farhan and Imad in top gear. However, Peshawar Zalmi’s batting firepower makes them dangerous, especially if Babar and Haris click. Expect a high-scoring contest.
Prediction:
If Islamabad bat first, they are likely to defend.
If Peshawar bat second, their chasing strength gives them the edge.
A close finish is expected.
