Lahore Qalandars have won their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title by defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the final of the 10th edition held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

During the PSL 10 final, a tribute was paid to the Pakistan Navy for asserting its dominance in defending national waters under Operation Baniyan Marsous.

Leading singers energised the audience with patriotic songs. Abrar Ahmed received enthusiastic applause for his popular hits, while Rizwan Mirza, Hussain Ali Pracha, and Nadeem Abbas Lohnewala sang national anthems in tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces.

Quetta Gladiators’ innings

Quetta Gladiators, batting first, posted 201 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to aggressive batting by Hassan Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf.

Openers Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen failed to provide a strong start. Shakeel was dismissed for 4 runs by Shaheen Afridi at 17, and Allen was sent back by Salman Mirza for 12.

At 58, Quetta lost their third wicket as Rilee Rossouw was caught off Sikandar Raza for 22. Their fourth wicket fell at 125, with Avishka Fernando scoring 29 before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi.

Hassan Nawaz stood out with a brilliant 76 off 43 balls, including 4 sixes and 8 fours, before falling to Shaheen Afridi in the 18th over at 172.

Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed were both dismissed for ducks by Haris Rauf at 177.

Dinesh Chandimal added a quick 22 off 13, but Faheem Ashraf turned the game in the last over by smashing three sixes and a four off Salman Mirza, scoring 28 off 8 balls.

Shaheen Afridi took 3 wickets, Salman Mirza and Haris Rauf claimed 2 each, while Sikandar Raza and Rashad Hussain took one apiece for Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars’ chase

Chasing 202, Lahore Qalandars got an aggressive start from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem. Fakhar was dismissed after scoring 11.

Mohammad Naeem scored a fiery 47 off 27 balls, hitting 6 sixes and a four. Abdullah Shafique contributed 41 off 28 balls with 4 fours and a six, while Rajapaksa managed only 14.

Kusal Perera remained unbeaten on 62 off 31 balls with 4 sixes and 5 fours. Sikandar Raza added a quick 22 not out off 7 balls, helping Lahore reach the target with one ball to spare.

The toss and team line-ups

Quetta captain Saud Shakeel won the toss and chose to bat first, stating the team was well-rested and confident of setting a strong total.

He noted that Mohammad Wasim was replaced by Khurram Shehzad due to health concerns.

Lahore captain Shaheen Afridi said his team had been playing consistent cricket and aimed to maintain their performance. He confirmed Sikandar Raza’s inclusion in place of Shakib Al Hasan.

Quetta Gladiators squad

Saud Shakeel (captain), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.

Lahore Qalandars squad

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Rashad Hussain, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Ikhlaq, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Azab, Asif Afridi.

Journey to the final

Quetta reached the final after defeating defending champions Islamabad United in the first qualifier. Lahore Qalandars booked their spot with a dominant 95-run win over Islamabad in the second qualifier.

The first match between Quetta and Lahore in PSL 10 was won by Qalandars by 79 runs, while the second was washed out.

In their 19 encounters in PSL history, both teams have won 9 matches each, with one match ending without result. Fakhar Zaman has scored 442 runs against Quetta, while former Quetta captain and current director Sarfaraz Ahmed has 357 runs against Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars now have three PSL titles, while Quetta Gladiators have one.