The Qalandars successfully target a formidable 202 runs against the Gladiators, with Raza returning just in time to score the closing runs.
In a historic moment for Pakistan cricket, all-rounder Sikandar Raza sealed the victory for the Lahore Qalandars by hitting a match-winning six, as they triumphed over the Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the exhilarating final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Raza, who had been representing Zimbabwe in a Test match until just hours before the final, arrived back in the Qalandars’ squad a mere ten minutes before the toss on Sunday evening in Lahore, the bustling heart of Pakistan’s cricketing scene.
This Pakistan-born off-spin bowler and lower-middle-order batsman not only contributed with the ball, taking one wicket, but also scored an impressive 22 runs off only seven deliveries as Lahore pursued a challenging target of 202, finishing the chase with just one ball to spare.
The successful run chase was primarily anchored by Kusal Perera’s stellar performance with 62 runs, along with valuable contributions from top-order batsmen Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique. However, it was Raza’s remarkable journey from the UK to Pakistan, coupled with his final hit that captured the hearts of the Lahori crowd.
Reflecting on his eventful day, the 39-year-old shared, “I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi and flew straight to Lahore for the PSL final.” He had bowled over 25 overs and batted for more than 20 in the Test just before jetting off for the final.
“This victory leaves me speechless,” he exclaimed in the aftermath of the match.
The Qalandars concluded with a score of 204-4 from 19.5 overs, earning their third PSL title in four years, and making Shaheen Shah Afridi the only captain to celebrate three PSL championships.
Earlier in the match, Quetta set a challenging total of 201-9 in their allotted 20 overs, highlighted by Hasan Nawaz’s impressive 76 off 43 balls, while Faheem Ashraf dazzled with a quickfire 28 off just eight deliveries.
Afridi proved to be Lahore’s standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for just 24 runs across his four overs, while Perera’s influential innings led him to earn the Player of the Match title. Meanwhile, Nawaz was recognized as the Player of the Tournament, finishing the competition with a remarkable 399 runs.
