In a nail-biting finale at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Qalandars lifted the Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy for the third time, defeating Quetta Gladiators in a high-scoring encounter and becoming only the second franchise after Islamabad United to achieve this feat.
Chasing Glory: Lahore’s Fierce Pursuit of 202 Runs
Set a daunting target of 202, the Lahore Qalandars began their chase with aggression. Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman laid an early foundation with a 39-run opening stand. However, Fakhar was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed after scoring 11 off 10 balls.
Naeem continued to shine, partnering with Abdullah Shafique to build a crucial 46-run stand. The 26-year-old opener smashed 47 off 27 balls, featuring one boundary and six towering sixes before falling to Faheem Ashraf.
Shafique anchored the innings with a solid 41 off 28 deliveries, including four fours and a six, before Usman Tariq struck to dismiss him, leaving Lahore at 115-3 in 12.3 overs.
With pressure mounting, Kusal Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa kept the scoreboard ticking. However, Rajapaksa’s slow 14 off 16 balls came to an end in the 17th over as Mohammad Amir made a breakthrough.
Enter Sikandar Raza, who ignited the chase with back-to-back boundaries. At the other end, Perera struck a sensational fifty off 28 balls, setting up the final flourish. With 13 needed in the last over, Raza smashed a four and a six to seal victory with one ball to spare.
Quetta’s Spirited Effort Falls Short
Earlier, after electing to bat, Quetta Gladiators lost their captain Saud Shakeel early to Lahore’s skipper Shaheen Afridi. They stumbled further when Finn Allen was removed by Salman Mirza.
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A 38-run stand between Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz steadied the innings, but Rossouw’s explosive 22 off 11 ended at the hands of Raza. Quetta regrouped with Fernando’s 29 and Nawaz’s standout 76 off 43 anchoring the innings.
Dinesh Chandimal added firepower with two sixes in the 17th over, but Afridi returned to dismiss both him and Nawaz in quick succession. Despite the setback, Faheem Ashraf’s late blitz of 28 off 8 balls propelled Quetta to 200/8.
Tribute to Pakistan Navy During PSL X Final
During the innings break, a special tribute was paid to the Pakistan Navy, honoring their service and valor. A moving ceremony, attended by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, US Charge D’affaires Natalie Baker, and top military and civil leadership, featured performances by Abrar Ahmed and others.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the dignitaries as the stadium echoed with patriotic chants and national colors, celebrating the Navy’s dedication and sacrifices.
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