PSL 2025 Match 5 Preview: Islamabad United vs. Peshawar Zalmi – Who Will Win?

PSL 2025 Match 5 Preview: Islamabad United vs. Peshawar Zalmi – Who Will Win?

The fifth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 pits defending champions **Islamabad United** against **Peshawar Zalmi** on April 14 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With both teams coming off contrasting starts, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Let’s dive into the form, key players, pitch conditions, and a prediction for the winner.

Team Form and Recent Performances

Islamabad United**: The reigning champions kicked off PSL 2025 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars. Their bowlers, led by **Shadab Khan** and **Naseem Shah**, restricted Lahore to 139, while **Colin Munro** and **Agha Salman** sealed the chase with ease. United’s balanced squad, bolstered by all-rounders like **Jason Holder** and **Imad Wasim**, makes them a formidable unit. Their confidence is sky-high, and playing at Rawalpindi—where they have a strong record—adds to their edge.[](https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-match-predictions/psl-2025-match-5-pes-vs-isl-match-prediction-who-will-win-todays-psl-match-between-pes-vs-isl-5709/)

- **Peshawar Zalmi**: Zalmi had a rough start, suffering an 80-run thrashing against Quetta Gladiators. Despite **Saim Ayub**’s valiant 50, their batting collapsed to 136 while chasing 217, with **Babar Azam** falling for a duck. The bowling, including **Alzarri Joseph** and **Mohammad Ali**, struggled to contain Quetta’s openers. Zalmi will be desperate to bounce back, but their shaky performance raises questions about their readiness against a red-hot United side.[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/go/pakistan-super-league)[](https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-match-predictions/psl-2025-match-5-pes-vs-isl-match-prediction-who-will-win-todays-psl-match-between-pes-vs-isl-5709/)

### Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi are evenly matched, with each team winning 12 of their 25 PSL encounters (one match had no result). Their most recent clash in PSL 2024 saw Islamabad triumph by 29 runs, though Zalmi won an earlier meeting by eight runs. At Rawalpindi, Zalmi have a slight edge, but United’s current form tilts the scales in their favor.[](https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-match-predictions/psl-2025-match-5-pes-vs-isl-match-prediction-who-will-win-todays-psl-match-between-pes-vs-isl-5709/)

Key Players to Watch

- **Islamabad United**:

  - **Shadab Khan (C)**: The skipper’s all-round brilliance (2 wickets vs. Lahore) and knack for big moments make him a game-changer.

  - **Colin Munro**: His aggressive 50 in the opener signals intent to dominate again.

  - **Naseem Shah**: The pacer’s swing and pace (2 wickets vs. Lahore) will test Zalmi’s top order.

  - **Jason Holder**: His versatility with bat and ball adds depth.

- **Peshawar Zalmi**:

  - **Babar Azam (C)**: After a rare duck, Pakistan’s batting maestro will be eager to lead from the front.

  - **Saim Ayub**: His 50 against Quetta shows he’s in form and could anchor the innings.

  - **Alzarri Joseph**: The West Indian quick needs to fire to unsettle United’s batsmen.

  - **Tom Kohler-Cadmore**: His experience could stabilize Zalmi’s middle order.

### Pitch and Conditions

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface, with fast outfields and good bounce favoring stroke-makers. Pacers may get early movement, but as the game progresses, the pitch becomes a paradise for batsmen, often yielding high-scoring games (average first-innings score: ~180). Spinners like Shadab and Sufiyan Muqeem might play a containment role later. The weather forecast is clear with mild temperatures, ensuring uninterrupted play. No dew is expected, so the toss may not heavily influence the outcome.[](https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/isl-vs-pes-head-to-head-islamabad-united-vs-peshawar-zalmi-record-stats-results-ahead-of-psl-2025-354764.html)

### Tactical Breakdown

- **Islamabad United**: Their bowling attack, blending pace (Naseem, Holder) and spin (Shadab, Imad), looks sharper than Zalmi’s. United’s batting depth, with Munro, Agha Salman, and Azam Khan, can handle pressure chases or set imposing totals. They’ll likely aim to exploit Zalmi’s fragile middle order early.

- **Peshawar Zalmi**: Zalmi need Babar and Saim to fire big to counter United’s bowlers. Their bowling must improve drastically—Joseph and Ali leaked runs against Quetta. A bold approach, possibly batting first to set a challenging total, could suit Rawalpindi’s conditions.

### Fan Sentiment

Posts on X reflect a split but lean toward Islamabad United. Roughly 65% of fans back United, citing their form and Zalmi’s poor start, while 34% root for Zalmi, hoping Babar’s leadership sparks a turnaround.

### Prediction

Islamabad United hold the upper hand. Their clinical performance against Lahore showcases a well-oiled unit, with depth in batting and bowling. Zalmi, stung by their opening loss, face an uphill task to regroup against a confident side. While Babar Azam’s potential to single-handedly turn games keeps Zalmi in the hunt, United’s momentum and home advantage at Rawalpindi make them favorites.

**Winner: Islamabad United**

*Disclaimer*: Predictions are based on current form, stats, and conditions as of April 14, 2025. Cricket’s unpredictability means outcomes can vary—enjoy the game.