Match 23 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 sees two fierce rivals face off as Quetta Gladiators (QUE) take on Islamabad United (ISL) on May 3, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. With the tournament entering its crucial second half, both sides will look to solidify their playoff positions in what promises to be a high-voltage contest.
Head-to-Head Overview
The rivalry between Quetta and Islamabad has remained one of the closest in PSL history. In 19 matches, Islamabad United holds a narrow 10-9 lead, with no ties or washouts. This record underlines the intensity and competitiveness that this fixture consistently delivers. Quetta, however, will take confidence from their dominant 80-run win over ISL earlier this season.
Team Overviews
Quetta Gladiators (QUE)
Under the leadership of Saud Shakeel, Quetta Gladiators have looked more settled and confident in PSL 2025. Their batting lineup is stacked with attacking options such as Jason Roy, Finn Allen, and Rilee Rossouw, all capable of turning a game in a few overs. With the ball, the Gladiators rely on Mohammad Amir’s experience, Abrar Ahmed’s spin threat, and the pace of Mohammad Hasnain.
Quetta’s form in their last match against ISL, where they scored 216 and bowled them out for 136, is a major boost heading into this fixture.
Key Players
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Jason Roy
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Rilee Rossouw
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Mohammad Amir
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Abrar Ahmed
Islamabad United (ISL)
Shadab Khan’s Islamabad United have been solid but inconsistent in the tournament. They possess firepower in Colin Munro and Sahibzada Farhan, while Agha Salman provides stability in the middle. ISL’s strength lies in their bowling unit, with Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, and Tymal Mills forming a reliable attack.
Islamabad will be looking to bounce back from the earlier heavy defeat to Quetta and reassert their dominance in the rivalry.
Key Players
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Colin Munro
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Shadab Khan
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Imad Wasim
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Naseem Shah
Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The Gaddafi Stadium traditionally favors batters, with even bounce and quick outfield making it ideal for high-scoring encounters. However, the new ball may offer some swing and bounce, giving fast bowlers an early advantage. Spinners may also come into play during the middle overs if the pitch slows down.
Toss Strategy: Teams may opt to bowl first, aiming to exploit early conditions and chase under lights.
Match Scenarios and Prediction
If Quetta bats first:
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Likely Score: 180-195
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Strength: Strong top-order and death-overs hitters
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Chance to win: High, if they get early breakthroughs with the ball
If Islamabad bats first:
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Likely Score: 170-185
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Strength: Explosive openers and quality bowling attack
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Chance to win: Moderate, depends on middle-order resilience and defending under pressure
Prediction:
Quetta Gladiators look better balanced and more in form. Their previous performance against ISL gives them the edge.
Predicted Winner: Quetta Gladiators
Probable Playing XIs
Quetta Gladiators (QUE):
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Jason Roy
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Finn Allen
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Saud Shakeel (C)
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Rilee Rossouw
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Khawaja Nafay
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Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
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Akeal Hosein
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Mohammad Amir
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Abrar Ahmed
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Mohammad Hasnain
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Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Impact Player: Umair Bin Yousuf
Islamabad United (ISL):
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Colin Munro
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Shadab Khan (C)
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Agha Salman
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Azam Khan (wk)
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Faheem Ashraf
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Imad Wasim
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Tom Curran
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Tymal Mills
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Naseem Shah
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Hunain Shah
Impact Player: Haider Ali
This matchup could very well define the mid-table dynamics of PSL 2025. With star players, high stakes, and recent form adding fuel to the fire, Match 23 is set to be a blockbuster.