The Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings Eliminator in the Pakistan Super League 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster. Scheduled for May 22 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, this night match promises high-stakes action with both teams fighting for survival in the tournament. With rich squad depth, playoff pressure, and recent history adding fuel to the fire, fans are in for a thrilling showdown.
Match Details – Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings Eliminator
- Match: Eliminator, Pakistan Super League 2025
- Teams: Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Date & Time: May 22, 2025 – 8:00 PM (local time)
- Format: T20, Night Match
- Officials:
- Umpires: Faisal Afridi, Rashid Riaz
- TV Umpire: Asif Yaqoob
- Reserve Umpire: Nasir Hussain
- Match Referee: Ali Naqvi
Squads Overview – Qalandars vs Kings Showdown
Lahore Qalandars Squad
Led by the dynamic Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore Qalandars feature a powerful mix of youth and experience:
- Shakib Al Hasan – Allrounder
- Sikandar Raza – Batting Allrounder
- Kusal Perera – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Daryl Mitchell – Batting Allrounder
- Fakhar Zaman – Opening Batter
- Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Salman Mirza – Pace attack
- Muhammad Akhlaq, Abdullah Shafique – Top-order strength
Their combination of international flair and domestic consistency makes them a formidable playoff team.
Karachi Kings Squad
Under Australian veteran David Warner, Karachi Kings are packed with international T20 stars:
- Mohammad Nabi – Allrounder
- Shan Masood – Opening Batter
- James Vince – Stylish Top-order Batter
- Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi – Leading the bowling charge
- Tim Seifert, Ben McDermott – Wicketkeeping firepower
- Khushdil Shah, Aamer Jamal – Versatile allrounders
The Kings have repeatedly proven their mettle under pressure with thrilling finishes in the past.
Head-to-Head – Kings Dominate the Stats
In their last five encounters, the Kings have beaten the Qalandars in four out of five matches:
- 04-May-2025: Kings won by 4 wickets (DLS Method)
- 15-Apr-2025: Qalandars bounced back with a 65-run win
- 09-Mar-2024: Kings won by 3 wickets (last-ball thriller)
- 24-Feb-2024: Kings won by 2 wickets (final-ball finish)
- 12-Mar-2023: Kings won by a whopping 86 runs
Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings always delivers intense drama, and history gives Karachi a psychological edge.
Points Table Analysis – Lahore vs Karachi Performance
| Team | Matches | Wins | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karachi Kings | 10 | 6 | 12 | 0.049 |
| Lahore Qalandars | 10 | 5 | 11 | 1.036 |
- Karachi Kings edged into 3rd place with consistent wins.
- Lahore Qalandars secured 4th with superior NRR and key victories.
This sets up a tight Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings eliminator.
Match Expectations and Key Battles
Fakhar Zaman vs Hasan Ali
Fakhar, with his explosive starts, can set the tone. But Hasan Ali’s knack for early breakthroughs is a game-changer.
Shakib Al Hasan vs David Warner
A clash of senior pros – Shakib’s spin mastery vs Warner’s attacking mindset.
Haris Rauf vs Tim Seifert
Haris Rauf’s raw pace up against Seifert’s counter-attacking style could turn the match at the death.
Expert Insights – Qalandars vs Kings Tactics
- Qalandars may bank on early wickets and spin choke in the middle overs.
- Kings will aim to win the toss and chase, exploiting Lahore’s dew-prone conditions.
According to former cricketer Bazid Khan, “The Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings Eliminator has all the elements – pressure, history, and unpredictable stars.”
Gaddafi Stadium Lahore – Pitch & Conditions
- Traditionally a batting-friendly surface, but spinners do find grip in the second innings.
- Dew factor makes chasing a preferred strategy.
- Expected crowd: Over 25,000 fans creating an electrifying atmosphere.
FAQs – Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings
Q: What time does the Eliminator start?
A: 8:00 PM local time at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Q: Who are the captains?
A: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) and David Warner (Karachi Kings).
Q: Where can I watch the match?
A: Live on PTV Sports, Ten Sports, and streamed on Tapmad & Daraz App.
Conclusion: Kings’ Edge or Qalandars’ Comeback?
As the Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings Eliminator approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With talent, form, and history all coming into play, cricket fans are ready for a night of pure PSL magic. Will Karachi continue their dominance, or will Lahore rise in front of their home fans?
