Tuesday 20 / May / 2025
LAHORE: With the group stages wrapped up in Rawalpindi, the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) enters its business end as the action shifts to Lahore for the playoffs, culminating in the final on May 25. Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United will face off in Qualifier 1 on Wednesday, while arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings clash in the high-stakes Eliminator on Thursday.
Gladiators on the charge
Gladiators’ resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. After a shaky start — losing two of their first three games — they turned the tide in dramatic fashion against Karachi Kings, pulling off a five-run win from the brink of defeat. That moment sparked a dominant run that saw them win all their remaining completed matches, finishing top of the table with a three-point cushion.
Key to their turnaround has been Abrar Ahmed, who has emerged as one of the season’s standout bowlers, combining a high wicket tally with exceptional economy.
Mohammad Amir and Khurram Shahzad have delivered at crucial moments, while Faheem Ashraf has shown flashes of his best all-round form. Though captain Saud Shakeel’s opening position remains a weak spot, the return of power hitters Finn Allen and Rilee Rossouw for the playoffs, along with the firepower of Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay, makes Quetta a formidable unit. With two chances at reaching the final, they are strong contenders for a first title since 2019.
United’s rollercoaster
Defending champions Islamabad United had a rollercoaster ride. After five straight wins, a controversial decision to rest five players in their sixth game led to a dramatic collapse in form, with four consecutive losses threatening their playoff hopes.
But the mid-season break seemed to reset their rhythm, and they stormed back with a commanding win over Kings, posting a tournament-high 251.
Alex Hales’ inclusion has offset the absence of Colin Munro, and his partnership with Sahibzada Farhan now forms arguably the league’s best opening pair.
Shadab Khan continues to lead with bat and ball, while Imad Wasim’s economy rate of 7.06 stands out. While United’s fast bowling unit — Ben Dwarshuis, Tymal Mills and Salman Irshad — lacks a truly elite name, their all-round depth makes them a potent threat.
Kings progress
Karachi Kings are back in the playoffs after a three-year gap, but their campaign has lacked consistency. Despite a strong top order featuring David Warner, James Vince (the second-highest run-scorer), and Tim Seifert, their domestic middle order remains vulnerable. That frailty has cost them dearly in key moments, including a dramatic collapse against Quetta and a capitulation against United where they lost 7 for 34.
While Abbas Afridi leads the wickets tally and Mohammad Nabi has been the most economical spinner, the Kings’ inability to build sustained momentum could be their undoing in the Eliminator.
Qalandars survive
Two-time defending champions Lahore Qalandars narrowly escaped an early exit with a clutch win in a rain-shortened game. Their top order, led by Fakhar Zaman and supported by Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique, has been explosive. However, their bowling — once their strength — has faltered. Haris Rauf’s economy of 10.66 typifies their struggles.
Compounding their woes is the absence of key overseas players like Sikandar Raza and Daryl Mitchell. Though replacements such as Kusal Perera and Shakib al Hasan have been drafted in, it remains to be seen whether Qalandars can rediscover their championship pedigree. As the playoffs begin, Quetta and Islamabad carry momentum, while Kings and
Qalandars must dig deep to stay alive.
(With inputs from ESPNcricinfo.com)
