Cricket Prediction | IU vs LQ | PSL 2025 | Qualifier 2 Match | May 23 – Can LQ Avenge Their Earlier Defeats and March into the Final?

IU vs LQ Match Analysis

It’s do-or-die time at the Gaddafi Stadium as Islamabad United lock horns with Lahore Qalandars in the second Qualifier on May 23, 2025. The match is set to commence at 7:30 PM local time under the electrifying Lahore lights. Both teams have everything to play for, with a spot in the grand finale hanging in the balance.

Islamabad United come into this fixture licking their wounds after a humbling defeat against the Gladiators in Qualifier 1. But with a squad brimming with talent and depth, they’ll be desperate to bounce back and prove they’re not done yet.

Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, roared back to life in the Eliminator against Karachi Kings. Their batting clicked, their bowlers delivered, and the defending champions suddenly look like serious contenders again.

Also check: IU vs LQ Live Score, Qualifier 2

Islamabad United vs. Lahore Qalandars Team Preview & Squads

Islamabad United

Shadab Khan remains Islamabad’s tactical talisman and the glue that holds their unit together. His all-round skill set gives the team flexibility, whether it’s through tight leg-spin spells or a quickfire 30 down the order. However, he’ll need to lead from the front after a quiet outing in Qualifier 1.

United’s batting line-up is deep and explosive. With the likes of Colin Munro, Azam Khan, and Rassie van der Dussen forming the core, and players like Imad Wasim and James Neesham providing late-order muscle, they are capable of chasing or setting big totals.

Their bowling attack has pace and variation with Naseem Shah, Tymal Mills, and Shadab Khan forming the spine. Jason Holder and Imad Wasim provide experience and control in the middle overs.

In their previous outing, Islamabad United were handed a 30-run defeat by Quetta Gladiators in Qualifier 1. Gladiators posted a daunting 209/6 on the board. United battled hard till the end, but their innings came to a close at 179 in 19.4 overs. It was a reality check that Islamabad must respond to quickly if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

Islamabad United Squad

Shadab Khan (c), Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Ben Dwarshuis, Andries Gous, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Hunain Shah, Imad Wasim, Kyle Mayers, Riley Meredith, Tymal Mills, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Shahzad, Colin Munro, Naseem Shah, James Neesham, Rumman Raees, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Irshad, Rassie van der Dussen

Lahore Qalandars

In the PSL arena, Shaheen Shah Afridi isn’t just a player — he’s a storm waiting to strike. His aggressive new-ball spells and tactical awareness make him a game-changer. As a leader, he brings raw energy and fearless cricket to the Qalandars setup.

The Qalandars’ top order clicked beautifully in the Eliminator, with Fakhar Zaman and Kusal Perera playing key roles. The presence of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Abdullah Shafique, and the all-round capabilities of Shakib Al Hasan make their batting quite dangerous.

This is where Qalandars shine, boasting one of the most potent pace attacks in the league. With Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan leading the charge, they can rattle any batting lineup. With Shakib and Mehidy in the mix, the spin department looks rock solid — just what a complete attack needs.

Lahore Qalandars delivered a clinical performance in the Eliminator against Karachi Kings. Chasing 191, they got home comfortably with 8 balls to spare, scoring 191/4 in 18.4 overs. Fakhar Zaman was on fire with the bat — he held things together and anchored the chase perfectly.

Lahore Qalandars Squad

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Tom Curran, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Azab, Mohammad Naeem, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Akhlaq, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Rishad Hossain, Salman Mirza, Shakib Al Hasan, Zaman Khan

IU vs LQ Outfield Report

It’s a batter’s dream at Gaddafi Stadium — with true bounce and a lightning-quick outfield, stroke-makers thrive here.Batting becomes easier under lights, and teams generally prefer chasing here. Spinners may get some purchase if the surface dries up, but pace still dominates.

The weather in Lahore on match day is expected to be clear and warm. Temperatures will hover around 28–31°C during the evening, with humidity levels relatively comfortable. As the night sets in, the dew could tip the balance in favor of the chasing side under the lights.

At Gaddafi Stadium, first-innings scores of around 180–200 are common and often needed to stay competitive. The highest successful chase here in recent PSL games is around 210, showing how chasing teams thrive.

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five encounters, Islamabad United have had the upper hand with three wins to Lahore Qalandars’ two.

IU vs LQ Prediction

According to cricket analysts, Lahore Qalandars have a 53% chance of Winning.

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