Lahore Qalandars Win Thrilling PSL Final | 3rd Title in 4 Years: In a nail-biting finish at a packed Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars etched their name in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history by securing their third title in four years. The defending champions pulled off a sensational six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the final, chasing down a daunting 202-run target with just one ball to spare.
A Record-Breaking Chase
Lahore Qalandars’ successful pursuit of 202 runs is now the highest chase ever recorded in a T20 final, surpassing previous records. The victory also makes them only the second team, alongside Islamabad United, to win three PSL titles in the tournament’s decade-long history.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Qalandars needing 57 runs off the last 20 balls. However, a blistering 59-run partnership between Kusal Perera (62* off 31 balls) and Sikandar Raza (22* off 7 balls) turned the tide in Lahore’s favor.
Perera and Raza’s Heroics
Perera, who had already scored two half-centuries in the playoffs, played a match-winning knock, smashing five fours and four sixes. His fearless batting kept the Qalandars in the hunt even as the required run rate climbed.
Raza, known for his explosive finishing, lived up to his reputation by hitting a crucial six and a boundary off Mohammad Amir in the 17th over. The penultimate over saw Perera taking on Amir again, smashing two fours and a six to bring the equation down to 13 off the final over.
Faheem Ashraf, tasked with defending the target, started well, conceding only five runs off the first three balls. But Raza had other plans—he launched a monstrous six over deep cover-point and then sealed the victory with a boundary, sending the Lahore crowd into a frenzy.
Strong Start by Qalandars’ Openers
Earlier, Mohammad Naeem (46 off 27 balls) provided a flying start, hammering six sixes and a four. His aggressive batting helped Lahore rack up 56 runs in the Powerplay, setting the stage for the chase. Abdullah Shafique (41 off 28) also contributed with a steady knock before Perera took charge.
Quetta’s Fighting Total
Quetta Gladiators, after losing early wickets, recovered thanks to a brilliant 76 off 43 balls from Hasan Nawaz—the tournament’s leading run-scorer. Partnerships with Rilee Rossouw (37) and Avishka Fernando (67) helped Quetta post a competitive 201-8.
Faheem Ashraf’s late fireworks (28 off 8 balls) in the final over, including three sixes, gave Quetta a strong finish. However, Shaheen Afridi’s exceptional bowling (3-24) and tight spells from Haris Rauf (2-34) and Salman Mirza (2-28) restricted them from posting an even bigger total.
Shaheen’s Leadership Shines
Shaheen Afridi, the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps, led from the front with both bat and ball. His tactical bowling changes and aggressive captaincy played a pivotal role in Lahore’s triumph.
Lahore Qalandars’ victory was a testament to their resilience and never-say-die attitude. With this win, they have firmly established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in PSL history. For Quetta Gladiators, it was a heartbreaking loss, but their spirited performance throughout the tournament was commendable.
As the curtains fell on PSL 10, fans were treated to one of the most thrilling finals in league history—a fitting end to a spectacular season.
