IU vs LQ Dream11 Prediction Today | Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report – PSL 2025, 1st Match

Match Preview

The first match of the PSL is going to be played between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. IU has been the most successful team of the PSL and will hope to start with a win. LQ is coming into this match on the back of a very poor season and needs its senior players to start better this time around.

This promises to be a close match to start PSL 2025.

Team Stats

Islamabad United	Vs	Lahore Qalandars
10	Matches Played	10
70%	Win	30%
175	Average Score	152
238	Highest Score	203
138	Lowest Score	87

Head to Head Record

Teams	Matches Won
Islamabad United	3
Lahore Qalandars	7

Probable Playing XI

Islamabad United Expected Playing 11

Matthew Short, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Haider Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, Ben Dwarshuis

Lahore Qalandars Expected Playing 11

Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera, Daryl Mitchell, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Tom Curran, Fakhar Zaman, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Naeem

Also Check: IU vs LQ Match Prediction

Injuries & Illnesses

No injuries have been reported by either team so far

Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

The ground in Rawalpindi generally offers up a very flat batting track that is full of runs. The team that bats first tends to win around 61% of the times and the average score batting first is 197. There is a bit of rain around, though, and that can affect the decision at the toss. Teams may actually opt to field first if the threat of rain increases.

IU vs LQ Dream11 Top Picks

Wicketkeeper

Sam Billings and Azam Khan seem to be the players that you should pick to start out with. Both of these players can make a big impact with the bat and will bat in places where they get the chance to showcase their talents.

Batters

There are some very good batting options to choose from. We like Fakhar Zaman, perhaps the best T20 batter in Pakistan, Daryl Mitchell, and Rassie van der Dussen. Both Mitchell and van der Dussen are excellent players of spin, which can come in handy. Their record in Pakistan is also exceptional.

All Rounders

We think the bulk of the points are going to come from this section of the players. Matt Short, Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Sikandar Raza, and David Wiese are all expected to play a central role in the match. We think Short is going to be relatively lower owned and could end up being a differentiator for you.

Bowlers

We don't have much space left for the bowlers and picking between Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf is a tough ask. We think Naseem and Haris are good options to consider for their wicket-taking potential.

IU vs LQ Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

Captain

Matt Short is one of the new rising superstars of Australian cricket. Not only does he get big scores with the bat but he can also get useful wickets with the ball.

Vice-Captain

Salman Ali Agha has emerged as one of the leaders of Pakistan cricket even as their team has floundered. His calm head with the bat is a huge asset and we expect him to play a big role in this match.

IU vs LQ Team Head-to-Head Contests

IU vs LQ Dream11 Team Mega Contests

IU vs LQ Team Expert Advice

This is the first match of the season so following the toss is a very important thing to do. You need to follow the team combinations and take a quick call as to how the teams are planning to use their players. That can be a big advantage in close Dream11 contests!

Notable Stats

Most Fantasy Points

S Farhan (629), R Raees (460), M Short (445)