Peshawar Zalmi are favourites to beat Islamabad United in PSL 2026 Match 7 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Babar Azam’s Zalmi come off a thrilling chase against Rawalpindiz, while Shadab Khan’s Islamabad suffered a 5-wicket defeat against Multan Sultans in their opener.
The head-to-head record is perfectly level at 13-13 across 26 meetings. Both franchises have won three PSL titles each. This fixture has produced two PSL finals. The batting-friendly Gaddafi Stadium pitch and significant dew in the second innings make this a chase-friendly venue.
PSL 2026 Match 7 Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Match Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 7, PSL 2026 (HBL PSL 11) |
| Teams | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi |
| Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM PKT / 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| IU Captain | Shadab Khan |
| PZ Captain | Babar Azam |
| Live Broadcast | PTV Sports, A Sports, Geo Super, Ten Sports |
| Live Streaming | Tapmad, Tamasha, Myco |
PSL 2026 Match 7 Odds for Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi
The betting market favours Peshawar Zalmi as slight favourites heading into this clash. Zalmi’s impressive chase of 215 against Rawalpindiz has boosted confidence, while Islamabad’s bowling concerns from their opener make them the underdog.
Peshawar Zalmi win odds hover around 1.75-1.85 (~54% implied probability), while Islamabad United sit at 1.95-2.10 (~46% implied probability). The toss market is nearly even, reflecting the importance of chasing at Gaddafi Stadium.
| Platform | IU Win Odds | PZ Win Odds | Toss Odds (IU) | Toss Odds (PZ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 2.00 | 1.80 | 1.88 | 1.88 |
| 4RABET | 2.10 | 1.75 | 1.85 | 1.90 |
| BetVibe | 1.98 | 1.82 | 1.90 | 1.85 |
PSL 2026 Match 7 Toss Prediction for Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi
At Gaddafi Stadium, the toss winner’s choice is predictable: bowl first.
The venue has produced an average first innings score of around 169-178 runs in recent PSL matches. The significant dew factor in evening games makes batting second considerably easier. Bowlers struggle to grip the ball in the second innings, and the outfield becomes faster.
In Match 3, Rawalpindiz posted 214/4 batting first, but Peshawar chased it down with 5 wickets and 5 balls to spare. That tells you everything about this track.
Toss Prediction: The toss winner will opt to field first.
Islamabad United Predicted Playing XI for PSL 2026 Match 7
Islamabad United enter this match needing to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Multan Sultans. Their bowling attack leaked runs in the powerplay, and despite Mark Chapman’s 40 off 21 and Faheem Ashraf’s contributions, the batting couldn’t set a competitive total.
| Rank | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Devon Conway | Batter (Opener) |
| 2 | Andries Gous (wk) | WK-Batter (Opener) |
| 3 | Mark Chapman | Batter |
| 4 | Shadab Khan (c) | All-rounder |
| 5 | Sameer Minhas | Batter |
| 6 | Haider Ali | Batter |
| 7 | Imad Wasim | All-rounder |
| 8 | Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder |
| 9 | Richard Gleeson | Bowler |
| 10 | Mohammad Hasnain | Bowler |
| 11 | Salman Irshad | Bowler |
| 12 (Impact) | Mehran Mumtaz / Dipendra Singh Airee | Spinner / All-rounder |
Key Injury/Squad Update
Max Bryant was ruled out due to injury before the tournament began. Chris Green replaced him in the squad. Additionally, Mohsin Riaz was added as a late signing from Sheikhupura to bolster the batting options.
Key Players to Watch
Shadab Khan has accumulated 1,413 runs and 105 wickets in 94 PSL games. His leg-spin and lower-order hitting will be crucial against a Zalmi lineup that can score 200+ easily.
Devon Conway brings international experience at the top. His ability to anchor innings while others attack will be vital if Islamabad bats first.
Peshawar Zalmi Predicted Playing XI for PSL 2026 Match 7
Peshawar Zalmi showcased their terrifying batting depth against Rawalpindiz, chasing down 215 with 5 balls to spare. Abdul Samad smashed 33 off 11, Michael Bracewell hit 35* off 17, and Aamir Jamal finished with 17* off 5 balls. That’s the depth you fear.
| Rank | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Babar Azam (c) | Batter (Opener) |
| 2 | Mohammad Haris (wk) | WK-Batter (Opener) |
| 3 | James Vince | Batter |
| 4 | Kusal Mendis | Batter |
| 5 | Aaron Hardie | All-rounder |
| 6 | Abdul Samad | Batter |
| 7 | Michael Bracewell | All-rounder |
| 8 | Aamir Jamal | All-rounder |
| 9 | Khurram Shahzad | Bowler |
| 10 | Sufyan Muqeem | Bowler (Spinner) |
| 11 | Ali Raza / Shoriful Islam | Bowler |
| 12 (Impact) | Iftikhar Ahmed | All-rounder |
Key Players to Watch
Babar Azam has scored 275 runs in IU vs PZ fixtures throughout PSL history. He scored 39 in the opening match and provides stability at the top.
Mohammad Haris scored 47 against Rawalpindiz and is known for his high-octane powerplay hitting. With a T20 career strike rate touching 145, he’s the definition of explosive.
Abdul Samad struck at over 300 in the chase against Rawalpindiz. His ability to finish games is a genuine weapon.
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report PSL 2026
Gaddafi Stadium is hosting all initial PSL 2026 Season matches due to the revised schedule. The surface is a batting paradise and has delivered high-scoring encounters so far.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Capacity | 34,000 (matches played behind closed doors) |
| Pitch Type | Flat, batting-friendly, true bounce |
| Average 1st Innings Score (PSL) | 169-178 runs |
| Highest Score PSL 2026 | 214/4 (Rawalpindiz vs Peshawar Zalmi) |
| Best Strategy | Bat second (dew factor, chasing advantage) |
What to expect on March 31:
- Early movement for pacers: Seam bowlers can extract some movement with the shiny new ball under lights, but it doesn’t last long.
- Batters dominate: Once the ball gets older, stroke-makers have a field day. Even spinners struggle on this track.
- Dew is the decider: Evening matches see significant dew from the 14th-15th over of the second innings. Bowling second is a nightmare. Chasing is preferred.
- Used pitch factor: With multiple matches on the same surface, the pitch may wear slightly, offering spinners a touch more grip. But don’t bank on it.
- Expected score range: 175-200 per innings is very achievable. Both teams have the firepower to post 200+.
Lahore Weather Report, March 31, 2026
Weather conditions look favourable for a complete match. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected with minimal rain threat.
| Weather Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Mostly clear to partly cloudy |
| Temperature | 24°C – 31°C (evening) |
| Humidity | Moderate (~55-60%) |
| Wind Speed | Light winds, 10-12 km/h |
| Dew Factor | High dew expected from 14th-15th over of 2nd innings |
| Rain Probability | Less than 10% during match hours |
| Match Interruption Risk | Very Low |
Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Head-to-Head Last 5 Matches
Overall Head-to-Head (PSL History):
| Matches Played | IU Wins | PZ Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
This is one of the most evenly contested rivalries in PSL history. Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi in the 2018 PSL Final to claim their second title. Both franchises have won three PSL titles each
Last 5 Matches:
| Match | Date | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSL 2025 | Mar 12, 2025 | PZ | 13 runs | Rawalpindi |
| PSL 2025 | Feb 23, 2025 | IU | 6 wickets | Rawalpindi |
| PSL 2024 | Mar 15, 2024 | IU | 8 wickets | Karachi |
| PSL 2023 Eliminator | Mar 16, 2023 | IU | Qualified for next round | Lahore |
| PSL 2023 | Mar 12, 2023 | PZ | 13 runs | Rawalpindi |
Rivalry Highlights Worth Knowing
- Kamran Akmal leads all-time run scoring in this fixture with 505 runs
- Islamabad United holds the record for the highest score in this rivalry: 247
- The 2018 PSL Final saw Shadab Khan take 3 wickets to restrict Zalmi to 148, before Luke Ronchi blasted 52 off 26 balls to lead Islamabad to the title
Our Prediction: Peshawar Zalmi Have Better Chances to Win Against Islamabad United in PSL 2026 Match 7
Bottom line up front: Peshawar Zalmi to win, chasing a target in the 175-195 range.
The Case for Peshawar Zalmi
Zalmi’s batting depth is genuinely frightening. Babar Azam at the top provides stability. Mohammad Haris provides powerplay aggression. The middle order with Kusal Mendis, Abdul Samad, Michael Bracewell, and Aamir Jamal can rescue any innings from any situation.
Their chase of 215 against Rawalpindiz was a statement. They were 85 runs away needing 35 balls with 4 wickets in hand. Most teams crumble. Zalmi accelerated. That’s confidence you can’t manufacture.
Their bowling isn’t elite, but Ali Raza and Shoriful Islam provide early breakthroughs. Raza claimed two crucial wickets in the opener.
The Case for Islamabad United
Islamabad United have won three PSL titles for a reason. They know how to bounce back. Shadab Khan’s experience as a captain-player is unmatched in PSL.
Devon Conway and Mark Chapman bring proven international class. Faheem Ashraf’s all-round ability provides balance. If their top order fires, they have the batting depth to match Zalmi.
However, their bowling looked vulnerable against Multan Sultans, leaking runs in the powerplay. Against Zalmi’s explosive top order, that’s a recipe for trouble.
Final Verdict
Peshawar Zalmi enter this match with momentum and a batting lineup that suits Gaddafi Stadium perfectly. Islamabad’s bowling concerns, combined with Zalmi’s explosive middle order, tilts the balance towards the Yellow Storm.
Expect the toss winner to chase. If Zalmi win the toss and bowl first, they become overwhelming favourites. Even if they bat first, their 200+ capability means Islamabad would need a near-perfect chase.
Prediction: Peshawar Zalmi to win.
This prediction is based on publicly available squad data, injury reports, venue stats, PSL 2026 match results, and historical records as of March 30, 2026. Official playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
