PSL X – WHO WILL WIN?
The brand-new season of the Pakistan Super League is in full swing, marking a historic milestone as the country's biggest cricketing festival celebrates its tenth anniversary. As the tournament enters its second half, all six teams are carefully analysing their performances and strategizing their next moves. With the race to the playoffs heating up, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at the current standings — and assess which teams are emerging as favourites to go all the way and lift the coveted silverware.
Peshawar Zalmi
The beloved cricketing icon Babar Azam and his ever-popular Peshawar Zalmi currently sit mid-table, fighting to find consistency. After a tough start with back-to-back losses, they have roared back with strong victories against last season’s runners-up Multan Sultans and two-time winners Lahore Qalandars. Their bowling attack is finding shape with Luke Wood’s fiery opening spells and Arif Yaqoob's crafty leg-spin in the middle overs. Batting concerns are easing too, with Mohammad Haris in sublime touch, TKC chipping in, and Babar regaining his groove. The late middle order, powered by Owen and Abdul Samad, has added vital depth. However, the fifth bowling option remains a work in progress, with Hussain Talat, recently Owen, and Saim Ayub sharing the load. Zalmi look a much-improved side, but with the business end of the tournament approaching, consistency is key if they are to mount a serious title challenge.
Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings, much like the early RCB days in IPL, are heavily reliant on their top three. Their fortunes ride on the performances of big guns like Warner, Seifert, or Vince. When one clicks — like Warner against Zalmi, Vince versus Sultans, or Seifert against Gladiators — the team looks transformed. However, middle-order woes persist despite trying Shan Masood, Saad Baig, and Omair Bin Yousaf. Their bowling unit, although lacking express pace and a wrist-spinner, continues to punch above its weight, consistently keeping them competitive. With Kane Williamson joining, the challenge now lies in foreign player selection, with Warner and Seifert’s spots already locked. Karachi still are among the higher-ranked teams in the points table, but to secure a playoff berth, they must address middle-order collapses. The top three can’t do it all alone when the tournament pressure peaks.
Quetta Gladiators
After years of struggle, Quetta Gladiators entered PSL X with a revamped squad but still await a breakthrough season. A dominant win over Zalmi marked a promising start, but bowling woes have since plagued them, leaking runs in nearly every match. Batting remains a major concern, especially with Rossouw out of touch and shuffled across different batting positions. The inconsistency in team selections has added to their struggles, preventing any real momentum. Surprisingly, Akeal Hossain have not made it into playing XI with other foreign picks also struggling but the addition of Chapman can turnaround. Despite this, with two wins from four matches, they remain firmly in playoff contention. However, to push deeper into the tournament, Quetta must find a settled XI and bring stability to both their batting and bowling. With talent in the squad, a few smart decisions could still turn their campaign around.
Islamabad United
Islamabad United have been the standout team of the tournament so far, ticking almost every box in this year's PSL. With high balls-per-boundary batsmen, a sharp bowling attack, and astute leadership, they look like the most complete side. The management’s smart drafting — unearthing talents like Gous from the USA and strengthening the squad with Nawaz alongside Imad and Holder — has paid off brilliantly. Their batting features explosive openers like Farhan and Gous, a strong, balanced middle order, and real firepower at the death. Bowling-wise, they offer threatening opening spells, a wicket-taking spin duo in Imad and Shadab, Nawaz’s all-round utility, and dependable death bowling options. Their emerging player pick remains untested so far, simply because they haven’t been pushed into difficult situations yet. The only slight concern is Azam Khan’s inconsistent form with both bat and gloves, but Gous’s performances have more than covered that gap. Heading into the business end of the tournament, Islamabad United clearly look like the team everyone else has to beat.
Lahore Qalandars
Despite having the league’s largest fanbase, Lahore Qalandars have yet to hit their stride this season. Their batting line-up, featuring the likes of Abdullah, Fakhar, Billings, Sikandar and Mitchell, looks strong on paper but hasn't clicked consistently. While Shaheen and Haris continue to lead the attack with fire and fury, the third seamer’s spot remains a revolving door, with Zaman, Jahandad, and Azab tried without success. Spin options have improved slightly with Asif Afridi and Rishad. The selection of the emerging player needs to be a smart one, as they have options across key roles — a wrist-spinner, an opening batsman, and a fast bowler — meaning the entire team combination must be carefully adjusted based on who they choose. As they return to their fortress at Gaddafi, the Qalandars will be banking on home support to rediscover their champion form. If they can tighten their bowling combinations and find batting consistency, they have the squad to once again lift the trophy.
Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans have been this season’s biggest disappointment so far. Despite reaching the last four finals, they find themselves in a battle just to stay alive halfway into PSL X. Expectations were sky-high, but underwhelming performances — especially with the ball have derailed their campaign. Their batting line-up, led by Rizwan and Usman had moments of brilliance from Yasir Khan but lacks the old consistency. Captaincy tactics have also been uncertain in many games. On the top it, Rizwan now playing as a pure batter with wicket keeping duties handed over to others is also a questionable decision. Defending 230+ in the opening match, their bowlers were dismantled, exposing serious flaws. The draft losses of Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali and Khushdil Shah have left gaps they haven't been able to fill. Every game from here is a must-win and unless their bowling improves drastically and Rizwan regains top form, Multan’s dream of another final could quickly fade away.
The Winner – Predictions
With the first half of the season nearly complete, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Islamabad United are strong favourites to clinch their fourth PSL title, which would make them the most successful team in the league’s history. Having already etched their name into the record books with eight consecutive wins (spanning PSL 9 and 10), their place in the top four seems almost certain. The only lingering question is whether they are peaking at the right time or perhaps too early in the tournament. However, the beauty of the Pakistan Super League lies in its fierce competitiveness, where any team can still rise, upset the odds, and snatch the trophy on May 18 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Based on current form, a probable standing could see Islamabad United at the top, followed by Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars battling for second and third spots, with Peshawar Zalmi potentially sneaking into fourth position. Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans, however, have plenty of work to do, and the road to the playoffs looks a steep climb for both.