📍 Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
🗓️ Monday, April 14, 2025
🕗 8:30 PM IST | 8:00 PM Local Time
Contents
🟠 Team Overview
Islamabad United kicked off their PSL 2025 campaign in style with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars. Their bowling unit looked sharp, and the batters chased the target with ease — a complete performance that sets the tone early in the tournament.
Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, had a rough start, suffering an 80-run defeat at the hands of Quetta Gladiators. Their bowlers struggled with control, and the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. They’ll be eager to put that behind them and bounce back strongly.
🤝 Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 20
Islamabad United Wins: 11
Peshawar Zalmi Wins: 9
Last 5 Matches: ISL 3 – 2 PES
Islamabad United slightly edge the rivalry historically, and their recent head-to-head record also leans in their favor.
🏟️ Pitch and Weather Conditions
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Pitch Type: Balanced, with good pace and bounce — suits both pacers and aggressive batters.
Average 1st Innings Score: 171
Weather: Clear skies and pleasant evening temperatures — no rain expected.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
Islamabad United
Shadab Khan: The captain is always a threat with bat and ball.
Colin Munro: Explosive left-hander who can take the game away in the powerplay.
Naseem Shah: Pace, aggression, and precision – he’s Islamabad’s strike weapon.
Peshawar Zalmi
Babar Azam: The skipper carries immense responsibility with the bat.
Saim Ayub: Talented youngster known for his elegant strokeplay.
Alzarri Joseph: A fiery pacer who could rattle Islamabad’s top order.
📉 Form Guide
Islamabad United: ✅✅✅✅✅
5 wins in a row including last season’s end, looking unstoppable.Peshawar Zalmi: ❌✅❌✅❌
Inconsistent, with their last game exposing key weaknesses.
🎯 In the Spotlight
Azam Khan (ISL): Known for his powerful hitting and match-finishing abilities, he’ll be a key middle-order player.
Mohammad Haris (PES): An exciting young wicketkeeper-batter who can change games in a few overs.
📊 Key Stats
Babar Azam: 501 runs in his last 10 PSL innings – highest run-getter among active players.
Shadab Khan: 220 runs and 12 wickets in last 10 matches – elite all-round form.
Colin Munro: 313 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 148.34.
Average Score at Rawalpindi in 2024: 178
📋 Squads
Islamabad United
Sahibzada Farhan, Andries Gous, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith, Mohammad Nawaz, Matthew Short, Rassie van der Dussen, Ben Dwarshuis, Rumman Raees, Salman Irshad, Haider Ali, Saad Masood, Hunain Shah
Peshawar Zalmi
Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Mitchell Owen, Alzarri Joseph, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali, Ali Raza, Arif Yaqoob, Abdul Samad, Nahid Rana, Mehran Mumtaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Ahmed Daniyal, George Linde, Najibullah Zadran, Luke Wood
🔮 Match Prediction
Given their strong performance in the season opener and balanced squad, Islamabad United head into the match as favorites. However, if Babar and Zalmi’s top order click, they’re more than capable of turning the tide.
Prediction: Islamabad United to win, but expect a close finish.
✅ Conclusion
Match 5 of PSL 2025 promises high-quality cricket, filled with star performers and emerging talents. With Islamabad looking to maintain their dominance and Peshawar desperate for redemption, fans can expect a thrilling contest under the Rawalpindi lights.
Grab your popcorn – this one could go down to the wire! 🍿🔥
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