Loading live scores...
General

Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindiz: Can defending Champions Comeback or Will Pindi Win?

Saturday, April 18, 2026
5 views
Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindiz Can defending  Champions Comeback or Will Pindi Win

Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 has reached a stage where every match feels like a "Final". Today, in Match No. 27, two teams at the bottom of the points table face each other, but their stories are completely different. On one side is Rawalpindi, who is still searching for his first win, and on the other side is three-time champion Lahore Qalandars, who is caught in a whirlpool of difficulties. The Lahore team has lost its momentum due to the ball-tampering controversy and the ban on Fakhar Zaman. While Rawalpindi will be playing for honor in a do-or-die situation today after losing six matches. Will Lahore be able to make a comeback or will Pindi break their heart?

Rawalpidiz: 6 Matches, 6 Losses – Will the score open today?

This season has been nothing short of a nightmare for Rawalpidiz. They have lost all six of the six matches played so far and are at the bottom of the points table (8th position). The team from Pindi has struggled in both batting and bowling. Fans were hoping that the team would try something new this time, but unfortunately, they haven't been able to establish a winning combination. Today's match is a matter of honor for them. Will Rawalpindi be able to secure their first victory and stop the path to Lahore? This is proving to be a difficult time for

Mohammad Rizwan, as he is facing a very bad losing streak while leading the new franchise of Rawalpindi. He has lost all six matches he has played so far in PSL 11, raising questions about his captaincy. If we look at his overall record, including the 2025 season of Multan Sultans, Rizwan has lost 16 of his last 17 PSL games. Some reports also suggest that his overall T20 captaincy slump is even worse, with him losing 19 of his last 20 T20 matches.

Lahore Qalandars: The Downfall of a Champion Team and the Ball-Tampering Drama

Lahore Qalandars have been the most successful team in PSL history. As three-time champions and current defending champions, much was expected of them. PSL 11 also had a rocky start; they comprehensively defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen in their first match.

But the real drama began in the match against Karachi Kings. A ball-tampering controversy erupted in the final over, shattering the team's momentum. Allegations were leveled against Lahore players for tampering with the condition of the ball. The biggest loss was that their star opener, Fakhar Zaman, was banned for two matches.

Winning momentum lost!

With Fakhar Zaman out, Lahore Qalandars fell apart. The team that used to dominate every match began losing back-to-back matches. First, they lost to Islamabad United, then to Peshawar Zalmi, and then they were eliminated by Quetta Gladiators. Lahore is now 7th on the points table (with just 2 wins from 6 matches and 4 points).

Race to the Playoffs: Do-or-Die Situation

Winning today's match is essential for Lahore Qalandars to remain in the playoff race. If they lose today, the defending champions' journey will likely be quite difficult. Under Shaheen Shah Afridi's captaincy, the team will have to regain its old form.

On the other hand, Rawalpindi has nothing to lose. He will play "free cricket," and this is what makes him dangerous.

Lahore Qalandars playing 11 ( Last match)

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Afridi (C), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Haseebullah Khan (WK), Asif Ali, Dunith Wellalage, Daniel Sams, Usama Mir, and Ubaid Shah.

Rawalpindiz playing 11 ( Last match)

Rawalpidiz: Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Abdullah Fazal, Sam Billings, Saad Masood, Mubasir Khan, Asif Afridi, Ben Sears,and Mohammad Amir.

Will Lahore Qalandars be able to bounce back from this "ball tampering" drama and downfall? Or will Rawalpides break Lahore's heart by securing their first win? The match is going to be very exciting!

Tags
lahore qalandarsrawalpindiz