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 X at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 202-run set by the Gladiators, the Qalandars had reached the total in the final over with four wickets down. This marked Lahore’s third title, having previously won the PSL in 2022 and 2023.
Gladiators' Innings
After winning the toss, Quetta Gladiators opted to bat first and posted 201 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Hasan Nawaz led the scoring with a superb 76 off 43 balls. Avishka Fernando contributed 29, while Rilee Rossouw added 22 runs.
Faheem Ashraf provided late fireworks with a rapid 28 off just eight balls, including three sixes in the final over.
For Lahore, captain Shaheen Afridi claimed three wickets. Haris Rauf and Salman Mirza took two wickets each, while Sikandar Raza and Rishad Hossain picked up one apiece.
Qalandars' Innings
In response, Lahore Qalandars chased down the target on the fifth ball of the final over. Kusal Perera anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61, while Mohammad Naeem scored 46 and Abdullah Shafique added 41.
Sikandar Raza played a crucial role in the chase, smashing 22 runs off just seven balls, significantly contributing to the team's success.
Quetta’s bowling attack saw Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq take one wicket each.
The Gladiators had suffered a major setback during the match when Asif Ali was ruled out due to injury. He collided with Mohammad Naeem while fielding and was unable to bat as a result.
Mohammad Akhlaq was brought into the team as a concussion substitute for Asif Ali.
A special ceremony was held during the final to pay tribute to the Pakistan Navy. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Interior Minister, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb were present at the stadium.
US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker also attended the event.
At the toss, Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel said the team aimed to apply pressure by setting a strong total. "Lahore have a solid bowling attack, so we’ll try to post a competitive score," he stated.
He urged his players to remain calm and avoid pressure. He also confirmed one change in the Quetta line-up: 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 squad for the final and appreciated the consistent support from the Lahore crowd. "They’ve always backed us, and I hope they’ll do the same today," he added.
Hasan Nawaz powered Quetta Gladiators to a formidable 201 for 9 in the PSL X final against Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
Despite early wickets, Nawaz's explosive 76 off 43 balls, supported by useful contributions from Rossouw and Chandimal, kept the scoreboard ticking.
The Gladiators overcame a double blow inside the powerplay and accelerated through calculated aggression, with Nawaz leading the charge.
Lahore’s Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing Saud Shakeel cheaply. Salman Mirza followed up by dismissing the dangerous Finn Allen with a well-directed bouncer. Despite the early breakthroughs, the Gladiators responded strongly.
Hasan Nawaz’s calculated aggression dismantled the Qalandars’ middle-overs plan. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls, mixing powerful slog-sweeps with elegant strokes.
Nawaz dominated both Raza and Rishad Hossain, smashing multiple boundaries and towering sixes.
Avishka Fernando provided stability with 29 off 22 before falling to a mistimed shot. As fielding errors crept into Lahore’s game, Chandimal joined Nawaz in accelerating the run rate. Fakhar Zaman dropped a sitter, allowing Nawaz to continue his charge.
Chandimal hit back-to-back sixes off Raza, while Nawaz added crucial runs. The pair built a vital partnership, punishing errant lines and lengths.
Although Lahore managed to pick a few late wickets, including Nawaz, the damage had been done. Faheem Ashraf chipped in at the death to ensure Quetta crossed the 200 mark, putting the Qalandars under significant pressure ahead of their chase.
TEAMS
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi (c), Rishad Hossain, Salman Mirza, Haris Rauf
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hassan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Finn Allen
