Lahore Qalandars claimed their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after a thrilling six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the final. The exciting contest took place on Sunday night at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Three Bangladeshi cricketers—Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Rishad Hossain—were part of the Lahore squad. However, only Rishad featured in the final match.
Quetta Gladiators won the toss and chose to bat first but faced early setbacks, losing two key wickets in the opening overs. Thanks to a brilliant half-century by Hasan Nawaz and a fiery late cameo from Faheem Ashraf, Quetta managed to post a competitive total of 201 for 9 in 20 overs.
Hasan Nawaz scored a stunning 76 off 43 balls, smashing 8 fours and 4 sixes. Faheem Ashraf added a quickfire 28 off just 8 deliveries. For Lahore, Shaheen Afridi took 3 wickets, while Salman Mirza and Haris Rauf claimed 2 each. Rishad Hossain and Sikandar Raza chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Chasing a target of 202, Lahore got off to a strong start with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naim opening the innings. Fakhar was trapped LBW by Abrar Ahmed in the fourth over, but Abdullah Shafique and Naim put together a valuable 70-run stand. Naim scored 46 off 27 balls, and Shafique added 41 from 28 deliveries.
Although Bhanuka Rajapaksa fell for 14, the match went down to the wire with a dramatic finish. With 31 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Sikandar Raza and Kusal Perera unleashed a stunning counterattack.
Kusal Perera remained unbeaten on 62 off 31 balls, while Raza finished with 22 off just 7 deliveries. The duo sealed the win with one ball to spare, handing Lahore Qalandars their third PSL championship in style.
UA / TDS
