Lahore Qalandars Clinch Third PSL Title After Thrilling Win Over Quetta Gladiators

Lahore Qalandars Clinch Third PSL Title After Thrilling Win Over Quetta Gladiators

Lahore, May 25 — Lahore Qalandars were crowned Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions for the third time after a nail-biting six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the PSL X final on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium.

Chasing a challenging target of 202, Lahore began their innings with an aggressive approach. Openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman set the tone with a quick 39-run stand. However, the partnership was broken when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Fakhar for 11 off 10 balls, which included two boundaries.

Abdullah Shafique then joined Naeem, and the pair built momentum with a crucial second-wicket stand. Naeem was in fine touch, blasting 47 runs off just 27 balls, hitting a boundary and six sixes, before falling to Faheem Ashraf. Their 46-run partnership helped Lahore reach 85/2 in 8.4 overs.

Shafique kept the chase alive, adding another 30 runs with Kusal Perera. He played a solid knock of 41 from 28 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Usman Tariq with the score at 115/3 in 12.3 overs.

Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa then tried to stabilize the innings, but tight bowling from Quetta saw the required run rate climb above 10. Mohammad Amir dismissed Rajapaksa for 14 off 16 in the 17th over, leaving Lahore at 145/4.

With 47 runs needed off the final 18 deliveries, Sikandar Raza stepped up. He smashed consecutive boundaries off Amir to reduce the pressure. Perera, anchoring the chase, brought up a brilliant half-century off just 28 balls.

Needing 13 runs in the final over, Raza sealed the victory in style with a four and a six, securing the win with one delivery to spare.

Quetta’s Innings: Nawaz Shines, Faheem Finishes Strong

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators opted to bat first but stumbled early when captain Saud Shakeel was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi for just 4 off 6 balls. Salman Mirza then sent Finn Allen back for 12 off 11, leaving Quetta reeling at 17/2 in 2.4 overs.

A stabilizing 38-run stand between Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz followed, but Rossouw’s promising innings of 22 off 11 ended quickly, thanks to Sikandar Raza.

Andresha Fernando added 29 off 22 before falling to Rishad Hossain at 125/4 in 12.5 overs. Nawaz, the standout performer for Quetta, played a sensational innings, scoring 76 off 43 balls, including powerful hitting across the park.

Dinesh Chandimal provided late support, smashing two sixes off Raza in the 17th over to push the score to 170/4. However, Shaheen Afridi returned to dismiss both Chandimal (22 off 13) and Nawaz in the same over, swinging momentum back to Lahore.

Faheem Ashraf’s blistering cameo of 28 off just 8 balls, including multiple boundaries, lifted Quetta to 201. He was dismissed on the final ball of the innings.

Tribute to the Pakistan Navy

The final also featured a special ceremony at the innings break, paying tribute to the Pakistan Navy. The stadium buzzed with patriotic fervor as renowned singer Abrar Ahmed performed in honor of the naval forces.

The ceremony was graced by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker, along with senior civil and military officials. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the dignitaries.

Spectators, waving Pakistan’s green and white flags, filled the stadium to capacity, celebrating both the thrilling match and the bravery and professionalism of the Pakistan Navy.