With the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 nearing its half stage mark, in the first match of double-header Thursday (April 9), defending champions Lahore Qalandars will take on the most successful side of the tournament – Islamabad United – at the National Stadium in Karachi. However, both teams will be coming into this game on the back of wins in their respective previous matches, they will be looking extend their winning streak with the tournament getting intense.
With the eyes on the ultimate prize, the Shadab Khan & Co re placed slightly better than the defending champions, at the third place with two wins and a washout game from their 4 fixtures. On the other hand, the Qalandars are positioned fifth with two wins and a loss to their name in three matches so far.
PSL 2026: Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United match details
Match: Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, Match 16
Date: April 9, 2026 (Thursday)
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Toss time: 2:30 pm (IST)
Match time: 3:00 pm (IST)
Team Preview
Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars have a good pace attack at their disposal, boasting the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Mustafizur Rahman and star international spinner in Sikandar Raza. They also have some of the best Pakistan batters, including opener Fakhar Zaman, who can go deep with his batting skills..
Strength: Good-looking pace strength
Key batters: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique,Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naeem
Key bowlers: Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman
Islamabad United
Being the most successful side in PSL history, Islamabad United boast of a strong core. Moreover with a vast experience, and back-to-back wins in recent games, adds to their campaign.
Strength: Balanced lineup with a strong core
Key batters: Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Shadab Khan, Sameer Minhas
Key bowlers: Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hasnain, Chris Green
LQ vs IU head-to-head record
| Criterion | Stats |
| Played | 22 |
| Lahore Qalandars won | 11 |
| Islamabad United won | 11 |
| Tied/NR | 0/0 |
LQ vs IU predicted playing XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rubin Hermann, Sikandar Raza, Haseebullah Khan (WK), Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah.
Islamabad United: Devon Conway (WK), Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq, Haider Ali, Mark Chapman, Shadab Khan (C), Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Richard Gleeson, Salman Irshad.
Key Players to Watch
Mohammad Naeem (Lahore Qalandars)
Mustafizur Rahman (Lahore Qalandars)
Sameer Minhas (Islamabad United)
Shadab Khan (Islamabad United)
Pitch Report
The National Stadium in Karachi also offers batting-friendly surfaces, supporting consistent pace and bounce. Moreover, with slight dew coming in at the later hours, it could be key for the teams chasing the total.
Average 1st innings score: 164
Weather Report
As per the weather forecast on Accuweather, hazy sunshine is expected to prevail during the PSL 11 Match 16 in Karachi. The temperature is expected to range between 31-33°C with wind blowing from south and south-west at 22 km/h. The chances of rain are bare minimum.
Toss Prediction
With the dew likely to be a factor at the National Stadium in Karachi, winning the toss and opting to chase is the best option. In the last three years, chasing teams have won 27 games to 16 by teams batting first.
Winning Probability
Lahore Qalandars: 56%
Islamabad United: 44%
Match Prediction – Who will win?
However, the battle between these two teams stands even-stevens with both winning 11 games each across the 22 matches, but the Shaheen Shah Afridi & Co have a slight edge over the Islamabad United.
Prediction: Lahore Qalandars to win the contest
PSL 11 live streaming details
| Region | Broadcasters/Platforms |
| UK | ARY Digital (SKY 748), ARY Plus |
| Australia & New Zealand | ESPN |
| North America | Willow, Prime |
| MENA | Cricbuzz, STarzplay, Elife |
| India & Nepal | Tapmad |
| Bangladesh | T Sports, Tapmad |
| Sri Lanka | Dialog, Tapmad |
| Africa, Europe & Caribbean | Tapmad |
