Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United Prediction & Preview – PSL 2026

Quetta Gladiators take on Islamabad United in the 9th match of the 2026 Pakistan Super League. Unusually, it is an afternoon start at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 2 April.

Quetta, led by Saud Shakeel, have Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz and Tom Curran in a squad that also contains Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq and Spencer Johnson. Islamabad, captained by Shadab Khan, can rely on Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali and Chris Green, along with pace options in Mohammad Hasnain and Salman Irshad.

Without dew to help a chasing team, the surface is expected to reward a strong powerplay and a defendable total, with the pitch possibly slowing a little later. The heat could also test the fielders. We pick Quetta Gladiators in a competitive fixture.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

The Gaddafi Stadium surface is usually flat, with even bounce and a fast outfield that suits batters, particularly in limited-overs games. New-ball swing is possible and spinners can find some help in the middle overs, though they seldom dominate. In this afternoon fixture dew is not expected to be a factor, so batting first carries an advantage, and the pitch may slow slightly during the second innings.

Weather

Lahore is expected to be hot and dry around the 2:30 pm start, with temperatures of 33–35°C and mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. There is virtually no chance of rain and humidity should be low. A light breeze may offer slight relief, but the intense heat could be demanding on players, especially during the first innings.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 175–195
• 2nd innings: 155–180

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