Sikandar Raza scripted one of the most dramatic finishes in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, helping Lahore Qalandars clinch their third consecutive PSL title in a nail-biting six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
The 39-year-old Zimbabwean all-rounder touched down in Lahore just 10 minutes before the toss, having completed an arduous journey from England, where he had played in a Test match against the hosts barely a day earlier. Exhausted but determined, Raza didn’t just show up—he showed up in style.
Despite being visibly jet-lagged, Raza proved why he is one of the most dependable finishers in modern T20 cricket. Walking in with Lahore needing quick runs under pressure, Raza smashed 22 runs off just seven deliveries, including two towering sixes and two crisply timed fours. He remained unbeaten as he guided Lahore Qalandars to a record 202-run chase, the highest-ever successful chase in a PSL final, with one ball to spare.
Speaking to the media after the match, Raza humorously detailed his whirlwind journey across continents. I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi, and dinner in Pakistan,he quipped. This is the life of a professional cricketer, and I’m truly humbled and blessed to contribute to this team.
While Raza’s late fireworks stole the show, his heroics were well-supported by Sri Lankan batting star Kusal Perera, who also remained unbeaten. Perera’s 62 runs off just 31 balls—laced with five boundaries and four sixes—provided the backbone of Lahore’s innings. Together, Raza and Perera stitched an unbroken 59-run partnership for the fifth wicket, rescuing the team from a mid-innings wobble and steering them to an unforgettable victory.
Earlier in the innings, Lahore had built a solid platform thanks to their top-order duo Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique, who scored 46 and 41 respectively. Their composed approach allowed Lahore to stay on track throughout the high-octane chase, even as Quetta’s bowlers tried to keep the pressure on.
Quetta Gladiators had earlier won the toss and opted to bat first, putting up a competitive total of 201 for 9. Their innings was anchored by young star Hasan Nawaz, who played a brilliant knock of 76 runs, combining aggression with composure. He was well-supported by Avishka Fernando (29) and Dinesh Chandimal (22), who added crucial runs through partnerships of 67 and 46 respectively.
In the final overs, Faheem Ashraf added late impetus to the innings with a quickfire 28, including 23 runs in the last over bowled by Salman Mirza, pushing Quetta past the psychologically significant 200-run mark.
However, Quetta’s hopes were dashed by Lahore’s disciplined bowling and relentless chase. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Lahore, delivering under pressure once again with figures of 3 for 24 in his four overs. His dismissals of key Quetta batters early in the innings helped Lahore restrict the flow of runs during the middle overs.
The triumph marks Lahore Qalandars’ third PSL title in a row, following victories in 2022 and 2023. With this win, they have not only solidified their reputation as the most dominant side in recent PSL history but also achieved a feat that sets them apart from all other franchises in the league.
Lahore’s consistent performances, sharp leadership, and tactical brilliance have made them a formidable force. But this victory, thanks to the late arrival and impactful performance of Sikandar Raza, will go down as one of the most dramatic and inspiring moments in PSL history.
From touching down just minutes before the toss to lifting the trophy hours later, Raza’s story is the kind of real-life drama that reminds fans why cricket is often called the gentleman’s game with an unpredictable heart.
