Lahore, Pakistan – In a heart-stopping PSL 2025 final, Lahore Qalandars emerged victorious for the third time in four seasons, pulling off an unbelievable last-over win against Quetta Gladiators. Chasing a daunting 202, Lahore were on the back foot, needing 57 from just 20 balls when Sikandar Raza and Kusal Perera turned the tide.
The Gladiators looked destined to lift their second title, six years after their first, especially after Lahore struggled to build momentum. But Perera’s fiery 62 off just 31 balls, packed with four sixes and five boundaries, coupled with Raza’s explosive 22 off just 7, flipped the script. Lahore clinched the title with just one ball remaining.
Raza, arriving straight from a Test match in England just minutes before the toss, didn’t waste time settling in. After Bhanuka Rajapaksa fell, Raza smashed his first two deliveries for a four and six, reigniting Qalandars’ hopes. Perera, making a comeback into the side after the PSL pause, took control at the other end. He hammered Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Amir with aggressive strokes, bringing down the required runs rapidly.
With 13 needed in the final over, Raza stepped up. After Hasan Nawaz’s incredible save delayed the win, Raza responded with a bold six over point and a stylish finish that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi hoisted Raza in celebration, acknowledging the match-winning contribution.
Shaheen had earlier delivered with the ball too, taking 3-24 and setting the tone by removing Saud Shakeel early. Although Finn Allen also fell quickly, Hasan Nawaz revived Quetta with a blistering 76 off 43 balls. His innings included sixes, fours, and clever strike rotation.
Rilee Rossouw (35) provided early support, and with 100 on the board at the 10-over mark, Gladiators looked in command. Avishka Fernando chipped in with 29, while Dinesh Chandimal added 22, helping push the total past 200. A late blitz from Faheem Ashraf (28*), including three sixes in the final over, gave Quetta a strong finish at 201-9.
Qalandars’ reply was full of intent. Mohammad Naeem’s aggressive 46 off 27 balls gave them a rapid start, including six massive sixes. Despite Fakhar Zaman’s early departure and Naeem’s eventual fall, Abdullah Shafique held firm with a classy 41. But after his dismissal, Lahore’s chase stumbled until the Raza-Perera magic unfolded.
The Gladiators’ late-inning collapse with the bat and their failure to contain Raza and Perera in the death overs cost them the crown. As the Qalandars celebrated amid fireworks and cheers, Quetta were left to reflect on missed chances and a title that slipped away.
With this memorable win, Lahore Qalandars not only sealed their third PSL title but also proved their resilience under pressure, making this final one for the ages.
