Chasing a daunting target of 202 runs set by Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars sealed the win in dramatic fashion, losing just four wickets and reaching the total in the final over.
Kusal Perera was the star of the show for Lahore, smashing an unbeaten 62 off just 31 balls, including 4 sixes and 5 fours. He was well supported by Mohammad Naeem, who scored 46, Abdullah Shafique with 41, Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributing 14, and Fakhar Zaman adding 11. Sikandar Raza also remained not out with a crucial 22.
For Quetta, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, and Abrar Ahmed picked up a wicket apiece.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted 201 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Quetta’s openers failed to provide a solid start, with the first wicket falling at just 17. Skipper Saud Shakeel departed for 4, caught behind off Shaheen Afridi. Finn Allen didn’t last long either, managing just 12 before being dismissed with the team total at 21.
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Rilee Rossouw and Mohammad Nawaz tried to steady the innings, though Rossouw fell for 22. Nawaz, however, played a blistering knock, scoring 76 off 43 balls. Avishka Fernando chipped in with 29, Dinesh Chandimal added 22, and Faheem Ashraf provided a late blitz with 28 off just 8 deliveries.
Both Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed were dismissed for ducks, while Khurram Shehzad remained unbeaten with 2 runs off 3 balls.
Lahore’s bowling attack was led by captain Shaheen Afridi, who claimed 3 wickets. Salman Mirza and Haris Rauf took 2 each, while Sikandar Raza and Rashad Hussain picked up one apiece.
It is worth noting that Lahore Qalandars qualified for the final after thrashing Islamabad United by 95 runs in the second eliminator. This marks Lahore’s third PSL title, while Quetta Gladiators have won it once.
According to PCB officials, today’s PSL final in Lahore also paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy, with a special video released in their honor.
