The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans rivalry, as they lock horns in Match 16 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 on April 26 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. With both teams boasting power-packed line-ups and a history of tightly contested clashes, fans can expect a cracker of a match.
Match Details
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Match: Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans, Match 16, PSL 2025
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Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Date & Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 7:30 PM (PKT)
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Live Broadcast & Streaming: A Sports, Tapmad, and Daraz App
Head-to-Head Record
These two teams have faced each other 19 times in PSL history. Lahore Qalandars hold a narrow lead with 10 wins, while Multan Sultans have triumphed on 9 occasions. The rivalry has intensified over the years, delivering some of the most nail-biting contests in the league, including two one-run thrillers in 2023.
Team Overview
Lahore Qalandars (LAH)
Led by the charismatic Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore Qalandars bring firepower in both batting and bowling. The likes of Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique provide a strong top-order foundation, while all-rounders like Sikandar Raza and Shaheen himself add depth. In the bowling department, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and Rashid Khan make up a fearsome pace-spin combo.
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Captain: Shaheen Afridi
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Key Players: Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza
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Strengths: Pace attack, experience at home ground, power-hitting
Multan Sultans (MUL)
Multan Sultans, under Mohammad Rizwan’s composed leadership, have built a reputation for being calm under pressure. With explosive openers like Yasir Khan and Reeza Hendricks, and finishers like Iftikhar Ahmed, MUL has a balanced batting unit. Their bowling has been boosted by Usama Mir’s form and the presence of Joshua Little and Chris Jordan.
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Captain: Mohammad Rizwan
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Key Players: Mohammad Rizwan, Yasir Khan, Usama Mir, Iftikhar Ahmed
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Strengths: Disciplined bowling, top-order consistency, spin attack
Probable Playing XIs
Lahore Qalandars:
Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (WK), Rassie van der Dussen, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Rashid Khan, Zaman Khan, Ahsan Hafeez
Multan Sultans:
Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Yasir Khan, Reeza Hendricks, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Chris Jordan, Joshua Little, Abbas Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali
Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The Gaddafi Stadium has traditionally been a paradise for batters. Flat pitches, fast outfield, and short boundaries mean high scores are always on the cards. In PSL 2025, the average first innings score here has been over 190. Bowlers, especially spinners and death overs specialists, must be at their best. Chasing teams have struggled recently, so winning the toss and batting first may prove crucial.
Key Battles to Watch
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Shaheen Afridi vs Mohammad Rizwan: Pakistan captain vs Pakistan vice-captain – this battle at the top could decide the tone of the match.
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Fakhar Zaman vs Usama Mir: Fakhar’s aggression against Usama’s in-form leg spin will be an exciting match-up.
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Rashid Khan vs Iftikhar Ahmed: Middle overs could turn the tide either way based on this face-off.
Recent Encounters
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PSL 2025 Match 12: Multan beat Lahore by 33 runs as Yasir Khan smashed 87, and Usama Mir bowled a tight spell.
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PSL 2023 Final: Lahore clinched a one-run victory in a thriller, with Shaheen Afridi starring as an all-rounder.
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PSL 2024 Match 14: Multan won convincingly by 60 runs thanks to Rizwan’s 82 and Usama’s historic 6-wicket haul.
Match Scenarios & Prediction
Scenario 1:
LAH wins the toss and bats first
PP Score: 60-70 | Total: 190-200
Match Result: Lahore wins narrowly with Shaheen and Rashid defending in the final overs.
Scenario 2:
MUL wins the toss and bats first
PP Score: 70-80 | Total: 210-220
Match Result: Multan wins comfortably with Rizwan and Yasir dominating.
Match Prediction: Multan Sultans to Win
Given their recent dominance over Lahore and strong all-round form, Multan Sultans slightly edge out as the favorites. However, with the Lahore crowd behind them and Shaheen Afridi’s never-say-die spirit, Qalandars cannot be counted out in what promises to be another PSL classic.