Sikandar Raza led Lahore Qalandars to victory in the PSL 2025 final against Quetta Gladiators. Raza scored key runs after flying in from a Test match, finishing with a six and a four to win by six wickets. Quetta posted 201 runs, but Lahore chased it down with 204. This title marks Lahore’s third in four years.
Sikandar Raza secured his place in Pakistan Super League history, guiding the Lahore Qalandars to a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Quetta Gladiators. This achievement unfolded just a day after Raza played against England for Zimbabwe in a Test match at Trent Bridge. Raza’s timely interventions came in crucial moments, where he struck a six and a four off successive deliveries, clinching the title with only one ball remaining.
In an impressive display of athleticism and determination, Raza traversed time zones after helicoptering from Birmingham to Dubai for breakfast and then to Abu Dhabi for lunch. Arriving in Lahore just in time for the match, he expressed his gratitude, stating, “This is the life of a professional cricketer. I’m truly humbled and blessed to have the life,” emphasizing the challenges athletes often face.
The Qalandars needed to chase down 202 runs in the final, and Raza partnered with Kusal Perera. The two formed a solid unbroken partnership, accumulating 59 runs in a tight finish that ultimately set a record for the highest chase in a PSL final. Raza stepped up when Lahore struggled, having managed only 48 runs since the innings halfway mark, taking the pressure off as he launched into the bowling attack.
Earlier in the match, Quetta Gladiators, after winning the toss, posted a respectable total of 201 for 9. Hasan Nawaz led the charge with a superb 76 runs off 43 balls. Lahore’s bowling spearhead, Shaheen Shah Afridi, claimed three crucial wickets for 24 runs, contributing to Quetta’s middle-order collapse.
Despite Quetta’s strong start, they lost two wickets quickly, with openers Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen returning to the pavilion early. Hasan’s 76, supported by partnerships with Avishka Fernando and Dinesh Chandimal, once seemed promising. But the Gladiators lost momentum as they tumbled from a strong position to a perilous one, losing four wickets for a mere two runs, dramatically shifting the game in Lahore’s favor.
The Qalandars, who finished fourth in the regular season, showcased resilience throughout the playoffs, winning three consecutive matches, including this final against the league leaders. Despite being on home ground, Lahore did not have a flawless start as they lost opener Fakhar Zaman early. However, strong performances from Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique helped stabilize their innings before Raza’s decisive batting brought home the trophy.
In the end, Lahore emerged victorious, affirming their status in the PSL with their third title in four years. As the fanfare subsided, the focus shifted to individual statistics as well, highlighting the top run-scorers and wicket-takers of the 2025 season. Sahibzada Farhan from Islamabad United led the run charts with an impressive 449 runs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi of Lahore Qalandars topped the wicket tally with 19 wickets.
This season has cemented Sikandar Raza’s legacy once again, marking yet another high point in a tournament that continues to deliver thrill and excitement, showcased by a nail-biting final that will be recalled by cricket fans for years to come.
In summary, Sikandar Raza’s exceptional performance propelled the Lahore Qalandars to a gripping victory in the PSL 2025 final against the Quetta Gladiators. His rapid scoring and timely strikes emphasized his talent and determination, while Lahore’s resilience throughout the playoffs confirmed their status as a cricketing powerhouse. With standout performances marked in the season statistics, the Qalandars have solidified their place in PSL history, winning their third title in just four years.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
