PSL 2025 final: Lahore Qalandars clinch third Pakistan Super League title
Kusal Perera shines with unbeaten 62 to seal victory for Lahore
Lahore Qalandars sealed their third PSL crown in four years with an electrifying six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night.
Chasing 202, Lahore reached the target in 19.5 overs with just one ball to spare, finishing at 204 for 4.
Kusal Perera delivered a blistering unbeaten 62 off 31 balls to lead the chase, with crucial support from Mohammad Naeem and Sikandar Raza. This win marks Lahore’s third title after back-to-back triumphs in 2022 and 2023.
Quetta innings
Quetta Gladiators, put in to bat first, posted a strong total of 201 for 9. The innings was anchored by young opener Hasan Nawaz, who smashed 76 off just 43 balls, including eight fours and four sixes. Supporting cameos came from Avishka Fernando (29), Dinesh Chandimal (22), and a late burst by Faheem Ashraf, who hammered 28 off just 8 balls.
Quetta lost their skipper Saud Shakeel early for just 4 runs off 6 balls, dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the third over with the score at 17-1 in 2.4 overs. Lahore’s bowling attack, led by Afridi’s 3 for 24, kept breakthroughs coming at regular intervals. Salman Mirza and Haris Rauf contributed with two wickets each, while Zaman Khan and Sikandar Raza added one apiece.
Despite the loss of early wickets, Quetta recovered thanks to Nawaz’s powerful strokeplay. Fernando and Chandimal helped stabilise the innings before Faheem’s explosive finish pushed the total past 200. However, Quetta’s scoring pace slowed during the middle overs due to Lahore’s disciplined bowling. The Gladiators closed at 201 for 9 after their allotted 20 overs, giving their bowlers a solid total to defend.
Lahore’s chase
Lahore Qalandars began their chase cautiously and lost opener Fakhar Zaman early. Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique then built a steady foundation with an 87-run partnership. Shafique scored 41 off 28 balls before falling, while Naeem contributed a vital 46. Their stand took Lahore to a comfortable position before Kusal Perera took over the chase.
After the fall of Shafique and Naeem, Lahore still needed quick runs. That pressure brought out the best in Perera, who counterattacked with aggression and precision. He smashed five fours and four sixes during his match-winning 62*, which came at a strike rate of 200. Sikandar Raza chipped in with a rapid 22 off just 7 balls, providing the final push needed to seal the victory.
Final over
With only a few runs required in the final over, Perera remained composed and guided the team home. Lahore crossed the line with one ball remaining, posting 204 for 4 and securing a memorable win.
Quetta’s bowlers couldn’t stem the flow of runs, as Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf were expensive despite taking one wicket each. Abrar Ahmed stood out among Quetta’s attack with figures of 1 for 27 in his four overs.
The match, a fitting climax to PSL’s 10th season, kept fans on the edge till the end. With this win, Lahore confirmed their dominance in recent PSL history, claiming a third title in just four years. PSL 2025 also set a new record with 500 sixes hit during the season.