‘What a Final’: Players, fans celebrate Qalandars’ PSL title victory

Lahore Qalandars clinched their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title in four years with a thrilling victory over Quetta Gladiators in the final of PSL 10, joining Islamabad United as the only teams to achieve the milestone.

Chasing a challenging 202-run target, Lahore’s innings was powered by key knocks from Mohammad Naeem (47 off 27), Abdullah Shafique (41 off 28), and Kusal Perera, who anchored the middle overs with a composed half-century.

Sikandar Raza sealed the dramatic win in style, hitting a four and a six in the final over to take Qalandars over the line with one ball remaining.

The victory was lauded across cricketing circles. Legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis celebrated the franchise’s consistency, tweeting: “3 Trophies in 4 years. Simply WOW.”

Former pacer Junaid Khan applauded the finish: “Way to finish, wonderfully done. Congratulations Lahore Qalandars. Entertaining match of cricket, both teams fought till the end.”

Journalist Abu Bakar Tarar echoed the sentiments, saying: “What a final, what a performance, Qalandars once again.”

Quetta, after opting to bat, posted 201/9 with Hasan Nawaz’s 76 off 43 and Faheem Ashraf’s explosive 28 off just 8 balls, lifting them past the 200 mark.

Lahore’s skipper Shaheen Afridi was instrumental, taking three crucial wickets, including a double strike in the 18th over that halted Quetta’s momentum.

Despite resistance from Quetta’s bowlers, Perera’s 50 and Raza’s late heroics proved decisive. Raza’s calculated aggression turned the tide in Lahore’s favour during the death overs.

National team pacer Shahnawaz Dahani summed it up aptly: “What a Final, & what a win for Lahore Qalandars.”

This victory not only marks Lahore’s third championship (2020, 2022, 2025) but also cements their dominance in the PSL’s recent history.