![Islamabad United predicted XI [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775640945625_IslamabadUnitedPlayingXI.jpg?type=hq)
Islamabad United predicted XI [Source: AFP]
Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars franchises will be crossing paths in match number 16 of the PSL 2026 season. The match will be hosted by the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday, April 9 and the action will commence from 3:00 PM IST onwards.
The match will mark the fifth outing for the Islamabad United franchise, and the fourth for the Shaheen Afridi-led Qalandars this season.
Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars Preview
The Islamabad United team has registered two wins, both in succession in their last two matches, after the opening defeat against Multan Sultans and the washout against Peshawar Zalmi.
With five points in four games, the United franchise is currently ranked third on the PSL 2026 points table with a healthy NRR of 1.055.
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The Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, is placed fourth on the eight-team points table as of April 8. Under the leadership of charismatic fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, the Qalandars have registered two wins at an expense of one defeat from three matches to accumulate four points so far at a formidable NRR of 1.546.
Islamabad United Playing XI vs Lahore Qalandars, Match 16
Openers and Top Order: Devon Conway, Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq
The Islamabad United team management will continue to stick with the opening combination of Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas, despite the New Zealander’s recent struggles this PSL 2026 season.
With an aggregate of just 50 runs in three innings of the tournament so far, Conway will be eager to leave his mark and get back amongst the runs against the Lahore Qalandars.
Young Sameer Minhas, on the other hand, is on a trail of successive match-winning half-centuries for the Islamabad United. Mohammad Faiq will likely receive another opportunity at number three after making his PSL debut last weekend.
Middle Order and All Rounders: Haider Ali, Mark Chapman, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim
Hard-hitting batters Haider Ali and Mark Chapman will continue to helm Islamabad United’s middle-order, especially after their finishing fury against the RawalPindiZ on April 4 in Lahore.
Both Ali and Chapman will be expected to bat at number four and number five respectively, as the United franchise will not want to tinker with its winning combination.
In a squad stacked with match-winning all-rounders, captain Shadab Khan will bat at number six. He will be followed by fast bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf at number seven, and by fellow spin-bowling all-rounder Imad Wasim at number eight.
The aforementioned line-up indicates that Islamabad United possesses remarkable batting depth, with the capability to extend their batting resources deep into the lower order.
Bowlers: Richard Gleeson, Salman Irshad, Chris Green
Islamabad United’s England import Richard Gleeson decimated RawalPindiZ with match-winning figures of 2-21 last weekend. The speedster struck twice with the new ball to warrant his place in the United playing XI going ahead.
While Salman Irshad conceded 52 runs off his four overs in the same match, the fast bowler has picked up five wickets this PSL 2026 season so far to emerge as Islamabad United’s joint-most successful bowler alongside captain Shadab Khan.
Chris Green will bat at number 11, and will be expected to helm Islamabad United’s spin attack alongside Shadab and Imad Wasim.
Islamabad United Playing XI Vs Lahore Qalandars: Devon Conway (wk), Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq, Haider Ali, Mark Chapman, Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Salman Irshad and Chris Green.
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