Lahore, Pakistan – PSL 2025 Final: Lahore Qalandars pulled off one of the most dramatic victories in Pakistan Super League history on Sunday, defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the PSL 10 final at Gaddafi Stadium. The match will be remembered for the sensational arrival and impact of Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who joined the team just minutes before the toss.
Raza Arrives from England, Turns the Match Around
Flying in overnight after playing a Test match against England in Nottingham, Sikandar Raza touched down in Lahore only 10 minutes before the toss. With no time to rest, the 39-year-old produced a stunning cameo, scoring an unbeaten 22 off just 7 deliveries, including two sixes and two fours, to help Lahore chase down a massive 202-run target with just one ball remaining.
Raza’s performance has gone viral across cricket forums and social media, hailed as one of the great modern-day examples of commitment and match-winning spirit.
“I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi, and dinner in Pakistan,” said Raza. “This is the life of a professional cricketer, and I’m truly humbled and blessed.”
Kusal Perera Anchors Record-Breaking Chase
Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Perera remained unbeaten on 62 off 31 balls, striking five boundaries and four sixes in a pressure-filled knock that proved crucial to Lahore’s successful chase. His partnership with Raza added 59 unbeaten runs for the fifth wicket, taking Lahore past the finish line and securing their third consecutive PSL title after wins in 2022 and 2023.
Earlier in the innings, Mohammad Naeem (46) and Abdullah Shafique (41) set the platform for the chase, making key contributions at the top. This 202-run chase is now the highest successful run chase in a PSL final.
Quetta Gladiators Post Competitive Total
After opting to bat first, Quetta Gladiators scored 201 for 9. The innings was led by a brilliant 76 from Hasan Nawaz, who played aggressively and formed crucial partnerships with Avishka Fernando (29) and Dinesh Chandimal (22). A fiery finish by Faheem Ashraf, who scored 28 off just 9 balls, including 23 in the final over, pushed Quetta past the 200 mark.
Lahore’s bowling effort was led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took 3 wickets for 24 runs, applying pressure at key moments and breaking partnerships at vital stages.
