The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 begins with Match 1 in Islamabad United (ISL) vs. Lahore Qalandars (LAH) on April 11, 2025, as they take the field at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The match is due to begin at 9:00 PM IST as ISL, led by Shadab Khan, looks to defend their title, while Shaheen Afridi's LAH will try to recover from a disappointing 2024 season. History favors ISL in this contest with a 10-to-8 win-to-loss record against LAH in 18 matches, making this a match to follow! ISL has strong batting options in Colin Munro and Rassie van der Dussen, while LAH has Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell. Both teams would want to give a push to their campaign through this high-pressure curtain-raiser. 

Rawalpindi Stadium Stats and Records 

• Total Matches: 26 PSL matches (up to PSL 2024).  
• Batting 1st Won: 11 matches won by teams batting first.  
• Batting 2nd Won: 14 matches won by teams batting second (chasing).
• No Result: 1 
• Highest Total: 262/3 by Multan Sultans vs. Quetta Gladiators, 2023.  
• Lowest Total: 107 all out by Islamabad United vs. Lahore Qalandars, 2023.  
• Highest Run-chase: 244/6 in (19.1 overs) by Multan Sultans 
• Lowest Total Defended: 197/5 by Peshawar Zalmi.  
• Average 1st Innings Score: 190 runs.  
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 181 runs.

Also Read: ISL vs LAH: A Head to Head breakdown PSL 2025

Weather and Pitch Report 

Rawalpindi weather on April 11, 2025, will be clear with temperatures of around 28-30°C, moderate humidity, and 25% rain predicted, although dew may have a part to play in the second innings. The pitch typically will be favorable for batsmen initially with good pace and bounce but provide bowlers with some grip as the match continues, providing both batting and bowling equally. 

Match Preview

ISL comes into the game as title winners, seeking to dominate with their well-balanced team at a familiar Rawalpindi ground. LAH, eager to wipe away last season's woes, will rely on their big-hitting batting and powerful pace attack to test the champions. ISL's bowling unit, headed by Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan, will try to hold back LAH's top order, while LAH's Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi will try to put ISL's batsmen to the test early. Since dew will also favor chasing, the toss may prove to be decisive, laying the platform for an electrifying PSL 2025 opening between two powerhouse teams.