In a pulsating finale under the Gaddafi Stadium lights, Lahore Qalandars claimed their third PSL title in four years, defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in a dramatic last-over finish. Chasing a daunting 202-run target, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s side became the first to successfully chase 200-plus in a PSL final, etching their name alongside Islamabad United as three-time champions in the league’s decade-long history.
The night belonged to Kusal Perera, whose unbeaten 62 off 31 balls guided Qalandars home in a tense finish. With 57 needed off the last 20 balls, Perera and Sikandar Raza (22* off 7) launched a fearless counterattack, adding 59 runs in just 19 balls for the fifth wicket to complete one of the most memorable chases in PSL history.
Perera struck five fours and four sixes, including two maximums in the 18th over against Khurram Shahzad and a stunning assault on Mohammad Amir in the penultimate over, which went for 18. With 13 needed off the final six, Faheem Ashraf kept things tight early, but Raza delivered the decisive blows—a six over cover followed by a match-winning four—to send the Qalandars camp into raptures.
Earlier, Mohammad Naeem set the tone with a blistering 46 off 27, smashing six sixes and one four in a fearless Powerplay onslaught. He shared vital stands with Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique (41 off 28), while Perera held the innings together with key partnerships of 30 runs each with Abdullah and Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
Qalandars were 97-2 at the halfway mark, needing 105 off the last 10, but finished the job with one ball to spare thanks to calm heads and a fearless finish.
Quetta, having been reduced to 21-2 early on by Shaheen and Salman Mirza, were rescued by Hasan Nawaz—the tournament’s best batter—who smashed 76 off 43 balls. He stitched crucial stands with Rilee Rossouw (22), Avishka Fernando (29), and Dinesh Chandimal (22) before Shaheen and Haris Rauf derailed the lower order. Faheem Ashraf’s late cameo (28 off 8) lifted Gladiators to a competitive 201-9, but it proved just short.
For Lahore, Shaheen starred with 3 for 24, ending the season as the leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps. Haris and Salman picked up two wickets apiece in a disciplined bowling display.
The final also marked the conclusion of a standout season for many individuals. Hasan Nawaz was named Best Batter, Abrar Ahmed took home Best Bowler, while young Naeem was awarded Emerging Player of the Tournament. Faheem Ashraf, with 163 runs and 17 wickets, was crowned Best All-Rounder, while Mohammad Haris and Abdul Samad claimed the wicket-keeping and fielding honours, respectively. Peshawar Zalmi were recognised with the Spirit of Cricket Award.
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