The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is entering a crucial stage, and Match 28 between Peshawar Zalmi (PES) and Lahore Qalandars (LAH) is set to be a key fixture in the playoff race. Scheduled to take place on May 9, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, this clash could be a turning point for both teams, with just a point separating them on the table. Peshawar currently sits at 8 points, while Lahore has 9, making this a must-win game for both sides.
Match Details
-
Fixture: Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars, Match 28
-
Date: May 09, 2025
-
Time: 8:30 PM PKT
-
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
-
Broadcast: A Sports, PTV Sports, Daraz App
Team Overview
Peshawar Zalmi has had a mixed season so far. Led by Babar Azam, they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their recent win over Lahore in Match 14. Their top-order is dependable, and the bowling attack led by Alzarri Joseph and Wahab Riaz can be lethal on their day.
Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, have been slightly more consistent. Captain Shaheen Afridi has been impressive with both bat and ball, and Lahore’s batting lineup, which includes Fakhar Zaman and Sikandar Raza, has the firepower to post or chase down big scores. However, their inconsistency in the middle order remains a concern.
Head-to-Head Record
-
Matches Played: 20
-
Peshawar Wins: 11
-
Lahore Wins: 8
-
No Result: 1
Peshawar holds a 55 percent win rate against Lahore. At Rawalpindi, PES leads with 2 wins in 3 encounters, giving them a slight mental advantage.
Memorable Clashes
One of their most recent encounters came on April 24, 2025, when Peshawar chased down 129 with ease, thanks to Babar Azam’s unbeaten 56 and Hussain Talat’s 51*. Alzarri Joseph was the star with the ball, picking up 3 for 15. On the flip side, Lahore had their moment in PSL 2023 when they chased down 171 in Eliminator 2, led by Fakhar Zaman and a powerful cameo from Shaheen Afridi.
Key Players
Peshawar Zalmi
-
Babar Azam: Anchoring the innings with consistency
-
Alzarri Joseph: Formidable pace and wicket-taking ability
-
Hussain Talat: Providing stability in the middle order
Lahore Qalandars
-
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Match-winner with both ball and bat
-
Fakhar Zaman: Explosive opener capable of turning games
-
Sikandar Raza: All-round option with calm temperament
Probable Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi
-
Babar Azam (c)
-
Saim Ayub
-
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
-
Hussain Talat
-
Rovman Powell
-
Mohammad Haris (wk)
-
Aamer Jamal
-
Wahab Riaz
-
Alzarri Joseph
-
Luke Wood
-
Arif Yaqoob
Lahore Qalandars
-
Fakhar Zaman
-
Sahibzada Farhan
-
Abdullah Shafique
-
Rassie van der Dussen
-
Sikandar Raza
-
Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)
-
David Wiese
-
Haris Rauf
-
Zaman Khan
-
Rashid Khan
-
Mirza Tahir Baig (wk)
Pitch and Weather Report
The Rawalpindi pitch generally favors batting, especially in the first innings. With a win percentage of 61 percent for teams batting first, the toss could play a big role. The average first-innings score is around 175 to 178.
Weather conditions may be tricky, with a 42 percent chance of rain and temperatures hovering around 28.5°C. The cloud cover could assist pace bowlers early on, and humidity may add to swing conditions.
Probable Scenarios
-
If Peshawar bats first: Expected score 175–185; strong chance of defending with early wickets
-
If Lahore bats first: Expected score 165–175; game could go either way depending on Shaheen and Raza’s contributions
Match Prediction
Given the recent form, head-to-head dominance, and comfort at the venue, Peshawar Zalmi enters as slight favorites. Their solid top-order and well-rounded bowling attack give them the edge. However, Lahore’s ability to bounce back, especially with match-winners like Shaheen and Fakhar, keeps this encounter finely balanced.
Prediction: Peshawar Zalmi to win in a close contest.