Lahore Qalandars do wonders again in PSL X

Lahore Qalandars secured their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title in four years by defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the final of PSL 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 202 set by the Gladiators, the Qalandars reached the total on the fifth ball of the final over, with four wickets down. This victory marked Lahore’s third PSL title, having previously won the tournament in 2022 and 2023.

After winning the toss, Quetta Gladiators elected to bat and posted 201 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Hasan Nawaz top-scored with a brilliant 76 off 43 balls. Avishka Fernando contributed 29, and Rilee Rossouw added 22.

Faheem Ashraf provided late impetus with a rapid 28 off just eight deliveries, including three sixes in the final over.

For Lahore, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed three wickets. Haris Rauf and Salman Mirza took two each, while Sikandar Raza and Rishad Hossain claimed one apiece.

In reply, Lahore’s innings was anchored by Kusal Perera, who remained unbeaten on 61. Mohammad Naeem scored 46, and Abdullah Shafique added 41 to build a solid foundation.

Sikandar Raza played a pivotal role, contributing 22 runs from just seven balls, ensuring a successful chase in the final over.

Quetta’s bowling was shared evenly, with Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq taking one wicket each.

The Gladiators suffered a major setback during the match when Asif Ali was ruled out due to injury after colliding with Mohammad Naeem while fielding. Asif was unable to bat and was replaced by Mohammad Akhlaq as a concussion substitute.

A special ceremony was held during the final to honour the Pakistan Navy. Among the dignitaries present at the stadium were Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Interior Minister, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The US Chargé d'Affaires, Natalie Baker had also attended the event.

At the toss, Quetta captain Saud Shakeel expressed the intention to apply pressure by setting a strong total. “Lahore have a solid bowling attack, so we’ll try to post a competitive score,” he said. He urged his players to stay calm and confirmed one change in the team: Khurram Shahzad replaced Wasim Junior.

Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed confidence in his team’s balance. “The combination is strong; most players have international experience. I just need to guide them slightly,” he remarked. He also confirmed Sikandar Raza’s return to the side and thanked the home crowd for their continued support.

Earlier in the innings, Hasan Nawaz powered Quetta to a formidable total with a blazing 76 off 43 deliveries. Despite losing early wickets, Nawaz, supported by Rilee Rossouw and Dinesh Chandimal, kept the scoreboard moving with controlled aggression.

Shaheen Shah Afridi made an early breakthrough by dismissing Saud Shakeel, while Salman Mirza removed the dangerous Finn Allen. Avishka Fernando stabilised the innings with 29 off 22 before falling to a mistimed shot.

Fielding errors crept into Lahore’s performance, with Fakhar Zaman dropping a crucial catch that allowed Nawaz to continue his innings. Chandimal then joined Nawaz in accelerating the run rate, striking back-to-back sixes off Sikandar Raza.

Although Lahore managed to take a few wickets in the final overs, the damage had already been done. Faheem Ashraf’s cameo ensured that Quetta crossed the 200-run mark, putting Lahore under considerable pressure heading into their chase.

Toss 

Quetta Gladiators won the toss and opted to bat first in the final of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Lahore were aiming to secure their third PSL title, while Quetta sought their second championship win, their first having come in 2019.

Playing XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Rishad Hossain, Salman Mirza, Haris Rauf.

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Finn Allen.