Lahore Qalandars thump Quetta Gladiators to clinch PSL title for third time

Lahore Qalandars clinched their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after a thrilling victory over Quetta Gladiators, becoming only the second team after Islamabad United to win the trophy three times.

Chasing a formidable target of 202 runs, Lahore got off to a strong start with openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman setting the tone through a 39-run partnership. However, the stand was short-lived as Fakhar fell to Abrar Ahmed for 11 runs off 10 balls, which included two boundaries.

Abdullah Shafique then joined Naeem at the crease, and the pair kept the momentum going with aggressive stroke play, building a vital second-wicket partnership. Naeem, in fine touch, edged closer to a well-deserved fifty but was dismissed by Faheem Ashraf after scoring 47 off just 27 balls, including one four and six sixes. The dismissal ended a 46-run stand, with Lahore at 85 for 2 in 8.4 overs.

Shafique continued to anchor the innings, forming a 30-run partnership with Kusal Perera. Both batters looked to push the total forward, but the stand was broken by Usman Tariq, who removed Shafique for 41 off 28 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and a six. Lahore stood at 115 for 3 in 12.3 overs at that stage.

Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa carried the innings ahead but faced increasing pressure as Quetta’s bowlers tightened their grip with dot balls, causing the required run rate to climb above 10. In the 17th over, Mohammad Amir broke through, claiming Rajapaksa’s wicket for 14 off 16 balls, leaving Lahore at 145 for 4 in 16.4 overs.

Sikandar Raza entered with intent and immediately eased the pressure, smashing consecutive boundaries off Amir. Meanwhile, Perera reached a crucial half-century, scoring 50 off just 28 balls to keep Lahore in the hunt.

With 13 runs needed off the final over, it was Raza who sealed the victory, hitting a four followed by a six to complete the chase with one ball to spare—securing Lahore’s third PSL title in dramatic fashion.