ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a remarkable turn of events, Sikandar Raza’s whirlwind journey from England to Lahore culminated in a match-winning performance, securing the Lahore Qalandars their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title. The final, held on May 25, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, saw the Qalandars chase down a challenging target of 202 set by the Quetta Gladiators, winning by six wickets with just one ball to spare.
A Journey Across Continents
Raza’s day began in Nottingham, England, where he represented Zimbabwe in a Test match against the host nation. After the day’s play, he embarked on an extensive travel itinerary:
Dinner in Birmingham
Breakfast in Dubai
Lunch in Abu Dhabi
Arrival in Lahore just 10 minutes before the toss
Despite the exhaustive travel, Raza’s impact was immediate. Entering the match at a crucial juncture, he remained unbeaten on 22 off just seven balls, including two sixes and two fours, guiding Lahore to victory in a tense chase.
Key Contributions in the Final
The Qalandars’ chase was anchored by Kusal Perera, who remained not out at 62 off 31 balls, forming a vital partnership with Raza. Earlier, Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique provided a solid foundation with 46 and 41 runs, respectively. Their collective efforts led to the highest successful chase in a PSL final .
Gladiators’ Innings
Opting to bat first, the Gladiators posted a competitive total of 201/9. Hasan Nawaz top-scored with 76, supported by contributions from Avishka Fernando (29) and Dinesh Chandimal (22). Faheem Ashraf’s late surge added 28 runs, including 23 off the final over .
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Bowling Brilliance
Lahore’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who delivered a standout performance with figures of 3/24. His efforts were instrumental in restricting the Gladiators’ scoring and maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
A Historic Victory
This triumph marks the Lahore Qalandars’ third PSL title, following their previous victories in 2022 and 2023. Their consistent performance underscores their dominance in the league, with Sikandar Raza’s extraordinary commitment and timely arrival epitomizing the spirit of the franchise.
