Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United meet in the Qualifier of the Pakistan Super League 2026, with Karachi’s National Stadium hosting the knockout tie on Tuesday, 28 April. Zalmi have been one of the most impressive sides of the season, and their captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis have both been in dependable form with the bat.
Around them, Zalmi’s batting leans on opener James Vince, the power-hitting of Iftikhar Ahmed, all-rounder Michael Bracewell and Abdul Samad. The bowling plan revolves around the pace of Ali Raza, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Basit, with Sufiyan Muqeem and Bracewell offering spin to break partnerships in the middle overs.
Islamabad United, three-time champions, arrive full of confidence and with plenty of experience of high-pressure games. Young batter Sameer Minhas has been a significant contributor this season and has shown composure under pressure. Devon Conway, Mohsin Riaz, captain Shadab Khan, an in-form Mark Chapman, Haider Ali and the explosive Faheem Ashraf make up a batting group built to set a big target.
With the ball, United will look to Salman Mirza, Salman Irshad and Haris Rauf in the pace department, while Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Chris Green supply spin. Our preview gives Zalmi a narrow edge, and we expect the toss to matter given the likelihood of dew in Karachi.
