Lahore Qalandars Clinch Third PSL Title with Thrilling Victory Over Quetta Gladiators

Web Desk | 4 weeks ago

Lahore Qalandars were crowned champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 after securing a dramatic six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the final at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night.

Chasing a competitive target of 202, the Qalandars completed the run chase in the final over, thanks to a match-winning unbeaten knock by Kusal Perera. The Sri Lankan batter smashed 62 runs off just 31 balls, while Sikandar Raza provided a late flourish with 22 off just 7 deliveries. Their unbeaten 59-run partnership sealed a memorable victory for Lahore.

This triumph marks the third PSL title for Lahore Qalandars, all under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who once again led from the front.

Lahore faced an early blow when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 11 by spinner Abrar Ahmed. However, a solid 46-run stand between Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique steadied the innings. Naeem contributed 46 off 27 balls, and Shafique added 41 from 28 deliveries before both fell quickly.

Following their dismissals, Perera anchored the innings with support from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (14 off 16) before Raza joined him at the crease. Their composed yet aggressive batting guided Lahore to the target with one ball to spare.

Earlier, Quetta Gladiators posted 201/9 after being asked to bat first. Opener Hasan Nawaz starred with the bat, scoring a brilliant 76 off 44 balls — his third half-century of the tournament. He was well supported by Avishka Fernando, who added 29 off 22 balls in a 67-run partnership.

The Gladiators were jolted early, losing their captain Saud Shakeel for 4 in the second over, followed by the dismissal of Finn Allen shortly after. Despite a brief recovery led by Rilee Rossouw (22 off 11) and Nawaz, Lahore’s bowlers kept chipping away.

Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 wickets, while Haris Rauf and Salman Mirza claimed two each. Sikandar Raza and Rishad Hossain also contributed with a wicket apiece.

Faheem Ashraf played a late cameo for Quetta, smashing 28 off just 8 balls with two fours and three sixes to push the total past 200.

But in the end, the Qalandars’ batting depth and experience under pressure proved decisive, delivering another PSL trophy to their cabinet and adding a fresh chapter to their growing legacy in the tournament.

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