Lahore Qalandars Lift PSL X Trophy After Thrilling Victory Over Quetta Gladiators
In a pulsating PSL X finale witnessed by 34,000 electrified fans at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars claimed their third Pakistan Super League title with a six-wicket triumph over Quetta Gladiators. The match’s turning point came through a stunning 59-run partnership off just 37 balls between Kusal Perera and Sikandar Raza, guiding Qalandars home in a tense chase of 202 runs.
A Historic Achievement
With this win, Lahore Qalandars joined Islamabad United as the only teams to win the PSL title three times, cementing their status as one of the league’s powerhouses.
Lahore’s Chase: Steady Start, Explosive Finish
The chase began with intent. Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman stitched a brisk 39-run opening stand. Fakhar’s early departure for 11 (off 10 balls) brought in Abdullah Shafique, who, alongside Naeem, kept the scoreboard ticking with powerful strokes and quick runs.
Naeem was eventually dismissed after scoring a blistering 47 from just 27 balls, featuring one four and six towering sixes. Shafique continued the momentum, racking up 41 off 28, including four boundaries and a six, before falling at 115-3.
Despite a late wobble with Rajapaksa falling for 14, Raza and Perera’s late fireworks ensured victory with just eight balls to spare.
Quetta’s Innings: A Strong Total, but Not Enough
Opting to bat first, Quetta Gladiators faced early blows, losing skipper Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen cheaply. Hasan Nawaz, however, anchored the innings superbly with a commanding 76 off 43 deliveries.
With support from Dinesh Chandimal and a fiery 28-run cameo by Faheem Ashraf in the final over, Quetta surged past the 200-run mark, ending on 202.
Shaheen Afridi played a pivotal role with key breakthroughs, finishing with crucial wickets including Chandimal and Nawaz.
Navy Honored in Ceremony
During the innings break, the Pakistan Navy was honored in a ceremonial tribute attended by top civil and military dignitaries, including Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Prize Distribution
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Lahore Qalandars took home a $500,000 winner’s prize
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Quetta Gladiators, the valiant runners-up, earned $200,000
This final was a reminder of PSL’s unmatched excitement, showcasing not just the fierce competition but also the unity and pride the league inspires across Pakistan.