After a thrilling 6-wicket victory over Karachi Kings in Qualifier 2, Lahore Qalandars now set their sights on Islamabad United in what will be the last knockout match before the grand finale. With a spot in the finals at stake, both teams are expected to come out all guns blazing. The winner of this high-voltage encounter will join Kota Radiators in the final of the HBL PSL 2025. Historically, Islamabad and Lahore have faced each other 18 times in the PSL, with Islamabad United emerging victorious on 10 occasions while Lahore Qalandars have taken the upper hand in 8 matches. The rivalry is intense, and this match promises to add another thrilling chapter to their storied head-to-head battles.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can catch the IU vs LQ showdown live on Star Sports Network (India), Ten Sports (Pakistan), and Fox TV (UK). The match begins at 7:00 PM PST, 7:30 PM IST, and 2:00 PM GMT.
Team Analysis
Islamabad United have displayed remarkable consistency throughout the 2025 campaign. Led by the charismatic Shadab Khan, the team has thrived on its blend of seasoned international stars and emerging local talents. Sahibzada Farhan has been a revelation at the top of the order, combining aggression with timing to lay solid platforms. In the middle order, Colin Munro and Rassie van der Dussen have played the role of stabilizers and enforcers, ensuring Islamabad never loses momentum. The depth continues down the lineup with Imad Wasim and Jason Holder providing firepower and finishing finesse.
On the bowling front, Naseem Shah has led the pace attack with raw pace, while Shadab and Imad have used their variations smartly to choke runs and pick up key wickets. However, United are not without their vulnerabilities. One of their main concerns has been over-reliance on their top order. When Farhan fails, the team occasionally loses direction in the powerplay, putting pressure on the middle order to rebuild and accelerate simultaneously. Their lower order, although capable, has been tested less frequently, which may become a concern in high-pressure knockout scenarios.
On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars, rejuvenated after their spirited win over Karachi, enter this match with confidence and momentum. Fakhar Zaman has found his touch again, and his explosive starts have often set the tone for Lahore’s innings. Darryl Mitchell and Abdullah Shafique have anchored the middle overs skillfully, rotating strike and capitalizing on bad deliveries. The power-packed duo of Shakib al Hasan and Kusal Perara has added depth to their batting, capable of launching brutal assaults in the death overs. With Shaheen Afridi back to his swinging best and Zaman Khan delivering clutch overs, Lahore’s bowling has looked sharp and disciplined in the past few matches.
Still, Lahore has its share of weaknesses. Inconsistencies in the middle order remain a concern, with occasional collapses when early wickets fall. Their batting unit tends to struggle under scoreboard pressure, and chasing big totals has often exposed their lack of a solid finisher. The bowling, though potent on paper, has suffered on flat tracks where their spinners, particularly Rashid Khan’s absence this season, have left a vacuum in the middle overs. Lahore’s fielding too has been patchy at times, costing them crucial runs and chances in tight contests.
Match Insights and Conclusion
The all-important Qualifier 3 will be played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, a venue known for its high-scoring matches and electric atmosphere under lights. Key impact players to watch include Sahibzada Farhan and Naseem Shah from Islamabad, and Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi from Lahore.
With both teams eyeing a place in the final, fans can expect a fiercely competitive battle. Let’s gear up and get ready to see which team is going to make it to the finals of the PSL 10th edition and join Quetta Gladiators. If you want to watch IU Vs LQ live, scroll above and click on the link provided.
