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Toss Winner - Islamabad United won the toss and choose to bowl first
Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by 9 wickets
Can Lahore Qalandars beat Islamabad United in PSL 2026?
Lahore Qalandars to Win
| Tournament: | Pakistan Super League, 2026 |
| Format: | t20 |
| Venue: | National Stadium Karachi, Karachi East, Pakistan |
| Toss Prediction: | To Bowl |
| Weather: | 33.1°C|Mist |
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The Thursday double-header in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 kicks off with a mouth-watering clash between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Both teams are closely placed on the points table. Islamabad United sit just above Lahore Qalandars after playing one extra game (which was abandoned against Peshawar Zalmi). Each side has secured 2 wins so far, Islamabad from 4 matches and Lahore from 3.
This fixture carries a rich historical rivalry since the league’s inception in 2016. While Islamabad dominated the early years, Lahore Qalandars have taken firm control in recent times. In 22 previous encounters, Lahore have won 11 matches (including 8 of the recent 10 games), while Islamabad have 10 victories, with 7 of those coming before the 2021 season.
Explosive opener Fakhar Zaman has an outstanding record against Islamabad, amassing 555 runs at a strike rate of 138.8 and an average of 37, including a century. With the ball, Lahore possesses a strong arsenal, led by pace duo Haris Rauf (20 wickets) and Shaheen Afridi (19 wickets), both of whom have been spectacular against United in the past.
Islamabad’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan remains their biggest threat, having scored 352 runs against Lahore at a strike rate of 151.70 and an average of 32.0. He is also their most successful bowler against the Qalandars with 25 wickets. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf has chipped in with 21 wickets in this rivalry as well.
LHQ
185/5 in 13.0 14.23
165/5 in 13.0 12.69
128/9 in 20.0 6.4
131/6 in 19.3 6.72
199/6 in 20.0 9.95
130/10 in 20.0 6.5
201/9 in 20.0 10.05
204/4 in 19.5 10.29
107/10 in 15.1 7.05
202/8 in 20.0 10.1
ISU
175/5 in 18.4 9.37
171/8 in 20.0 8.55
107/10 in 15.1 7.05
202/8 in 20.0 10.1
209/6 in 20.0 10.45
179/10 in 19.4 9.1
Lahore Qalandars have every reason to be pleased with their start to the PSL 2026 season. From three matches, they have secured 2 wins and 1 loss, beginning with a dominant 69-run victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen, suffering a narrow 4-wicket defeat to Karachi Kings, and bouncing back strongly with a 20-run win over Multan Sultans in a rain-curtailed game.
In their latest victory, Lahore posted 185/5 in 13 overs and successfully restricted Multan to 165/5, showcasing both batting firepower and bowling discipline.
The top order has been in fine form. Opener Mohammad Naeem leads the run charts for Lahore with 103 runs in 3 innings at an average of 34.33 and a strike rate of 174.58, including an explosive 60 off 28 balls at a strike rate of 214.29. His partner Parvez Hossain Emon has recovered well, scoring 71 runs in 3 innings, highlighted by a blistering 45 off 19 balls at a strike rate of 236.84.
The middle order adds depth and experience. Abdullah Shafique (70 runs in 3 innings, average of 23.33, strike rate of 162.79) and Fakhar Zaman (54 runs in 2 innings) provide stability, with Fakhar boasting a formidable historical record against Islamabad United having scored 555 runs at a strike rate of 138.80.
Wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan has been consistent, scoring 68 runs at an average of 68.00 in two games, while Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza contributes finishing power with 56 runs in 3 innings at a strike rate of 143.59.
Lahore’s bowling attack has been the standout feature this season. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the way with 6 wickets in 3 matches, including impressive figures of 4/18 against Karachi Kings. Mustafizur Rahman picked up 2 wickets in the win over Multan, taking his tally to 4 wickets.
What makes Lahore dangerous is their incredible bowling depth. The trio of Ubaid Shah, Haris Rauf, and Sikandar Raza have each claimed 3 wickets, providing excellent support and variety to the bowling attack.
Total 6's Over 7.5 @ 2.05
The Qalandars are averaging 8.3 sixes per match this season. They hit over 7.5 sixes in a match twice in the last three matches. With power hitters in their batting lineup, we back them to hit over 7 sixes in today's match against Islamabad United.
Fakhar Zaman Total Runs Over 23.5 @ 1.85
Fakhar Zaman averages around 33 runs, which puts him comfortably above this line. He’s an aggressive opener who doesn’t take long to get going, and with Lahore’s approach of attacking early, he gets enough deliveries to make an impact.
Mohammad Naeem, Parvez Hossain Emon, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah Khan (WK), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah.
Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Mohammad Naeem, Sikandar Raza, Haseebullah Khan, Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman, Shaheen Afridi, Ubaid Shah, Rubin Hermann, Ryan Burl
Islamabad United had a slow start to the PSL 2026 season, losing their opener to Multan Sultans by 5 wickets and seeing their second match against Peshawar Zalmi abandoned due to rain. However, they have bounced back strongly, winning their next two games against Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz.
In their most recent match, Islamabad delivered a near-perfect performance. Their bowlers restricted Rawalpindi to 156/7 in 20 overs, before chasing the target with 7 wickets in hand and nearly 6 overs to spare.
Young sensation Sameer Minhas has been the standout performer in his debut PSL season. The 19-year-old has scored 180 runs in 3 innings at an impressive average of 90.00 and strike rate of 171.43, including two match-winning knocks, 82 off 48 balls* against Quetta and 70 off 36 balls against Rawalpindi.
There is a noticeable gap after Minhas. Captain and all-rounder Shadab Khan is the second-highest run-scorer with 73 runs in 2 innings, highlighted by an unbeaten 69 off 39 balls against Quetta. The likes of Mark Chapman, who scored a quickfire 24 off 7 balls at a strike rate of 342.86 in the last game, Devon Conway (50 runs), and Haider Ali (39 runs) are still finding their best form.
The bowling has been led by Shadab Khan and Salman Irshad, both of whom have taken 5 wickets each. Shadab’s best figures are 3/23 against Quetta. Imad Wasim has picked up 3 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Richard Gleeson have taken 2 wickets each. The attack showed good variation and control in the win over Rawalpindi.
Sameer Minhas Total Runs Over 19.5 @ 1.85
Sameer Minhas has scored 180 runs in the last three matches for the Islamabad United, where he is averaging 90 this season. Playing his first PSL season, Minhas has already made a huge impact with the bat in the top order and we back him to continue his good run of form and score over 19 runs in today's match against the Qalandars.
Islamabad United Total 4's Over 15.5 @ 1.90
Islamabad United are averaging 15 fours per match this season. They are a good boundary hitting side and their record at Karachi Stadium is 15.2 fours per match. Given their good record at the venue and current boundary hitting form, we predict Islamabad's total 4's count to be over 15.5 in today's match.
Devon Conway Total Runs Over 24.5 @ 1.85
Devon Conway has scored 50 runs in the last 3 PSL matches, averaging 16.66. He will be looking to make a strong comeback in this fixture against the Lahore Qalandars and score over 24 runs in today's match and we back him to bounce back from this tough phase.
Devon Conway (WK), Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq, Haider Ali, Mark Chapman, Shadab Khan (C), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Chris Green, Richard Gleeson, Salman Irshad.
Haider Ali, Sameer Minhas, Mark Chapman, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Devon Conway, Richard Gleeson, Salman Irshad, Mohammad Faiq, Chris Green
On Thursday, the weather forecast in and around the National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi, expect a hot and sunny day with highs around 30-32°C and lows near 23°C. No rain is forecast, with clear skies and possible sea breeze. Perfect for cricket, though it will be very warm.
Pitch Condition
BalancedBatting Conditions
Moderate ScoringPace Bowling
SwingSpin Bowling
Minimal Turn
The pitch at National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi for PSL 2026 is typically batting-friendly with a flat surface, good pace, and true bounce that helps stroke-makers. Big boundaries and a quick outfield often lead to high-scoring games.
Pacers get some early movement or bounce, while spinners come into play with grip and variations in the middle overs. Dew under lights can make chasing easier. There have been previously 40 PSL matches played at the venue and the average first inning score here is 177. Karachi Kings have recorded the highest total at the venue, 236 runs.
Islamabad United to win the coin toss @ 1.90
We back the Islamabad United to win the coin toss in today's match against the Lahore Qalandars.
The captain who wins the toss would ideally prefer to bowl first at the venue. It is a batting paradise that remains the same throughout the game, making chasing the ideal choice. There have been 40 PSL games played at the venue in which a staggering 30 times the bowling first team won.
Lahore Qalandars are slight favorites at home, mainly due to their superior bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi (6 wickets), Mustafizur Rahman (4 wickets) and Haris Rauf (3 wickets) have been sharp and effective, giving them a clear edge. Islamabad United rely on Sameer Minhas (180 runs) and Shadab Khan’s all-round show, but Lahore’s bowling strength and a very good line-up of batters should prevail.
Lahore Qalandars to Win
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