Islamabad United defeated by Lahore Qalandars first time in PSL 2025

Sikandar Raza is the underdog of PSL 2025, and it is safe to say that he is the biggest surprise package for Lahore Qalandars. Sikandar Raza is the best all-rounder, and he is the best finisher in PSL 2025, as Lahore Qalandars are now being considered as the better team than Islamabad United due to Sikandar Raza's brilliant form and aggressive batting style. When PSL 2025 started, Lahore Qalandars started their season with 2 consecutive losses, and at the time, it was suggested that they might have to drop some players, including Sikandar Raza and Naeem. However, things took a big U-turn, and now experts are saying that Sikandar Raza is the best player in PSL 2025.

The match started with Lahore Qalandars batting first and forced Islamabad United to chase a competitive total. Lahore Qalandars openers started well as Fakhar Zaman made 44 runs by playing 33 balls and ensured that his team did not lose wickets early. Sikandar Raza made 39 runs by playing only 17 balls, and Sam Billings made 38 runs in 18 balls. Moreover, both players ensured that Lahore Qalandars posted a total of 209 by losing 6 wickets. The pick of the blower for Islamabad United was Jason Holder and Imad Wasim. Jason Holder conceded 54 runs, which is high for his standard, and took two wickets. While Imad Wasim only conceded 26 runs, he took two wickets. 

While chasing, Islamabad United crashed down hard, and they had no reply to Haris Rauf's aggressive bowling. Only Andries Gous and Salman Agha were looking to chase down the total. However, the other players seemed like they had already given up because the pitch was different as well compared to recent PSL matches. Andries Gous made 41 runs while facing 27 balls, and Salman Agha made 36 runs while facing 25 balls. While Haris Rauf took 4 wickets and only conceded 31 runs. Sikandar Raza took three wickets and conceded only 20 runs.