Shaheen Afridi Makes History as Lahore Qalandars Won PSL X Final

On May 25, 2025, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore erupted in celebration as the Lahore Qalandars clinched their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, defeating the Quetta Gladiators by 6 wickets in a thrilling final.

This victory marked a historic milestone for Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who became the only captain in PSL history to lift the trophy three times. The match, characterized by the highest successful chase in PSL final history, showcased exceptional performances, dramatic moments, and the resilience of a team led by one of Pakistan’s cricketing icons.

Match Summary

The PSL X Final, held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on May 25, 2025, was a high-octane clash between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators. Quetta, batting first after winning the toss, posted a formidable 201/9 in 20 overs, driven by Hasan Nawaz’s 76 off 43 balls and Faheem Ashraf’s explosive 28 off 8 balls, which included 3 sixes and a four in the final over.

Lahore Qalandars, in response, achieved the highest successful chase in PSL final history, scoring 204/4 in 19.5 overs with one ball to spare. The victory was anchored by Kusal Perera’s unbeaten 62 off 31 balls and sealed by Sikandar Raza’s match-winning runs in the final over.

Key Performances

Batting Highlights

• Kusal Perera (Lahore Qalandars): Perera’s unbeaten 62 off 31 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes, was a masterclass in aggressive batting. His counterattack against Quetta’s bowlers, particularly Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, and Abrar Ahmed, included a four-six combo in the penultimate over, earning him the Player of the Match award (ESPNcricinfo Match Report).

• Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars): Raza’s dramatic arrival just 10 minutes before the toss added to the match’s narrative. His 22 off 7 balls, including a six and a four in the final over, secured the win with a ball to spare, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

• Mohammad Naeem (Lahore Qalandars): Naeem set the tone early, smashing 23 runs in the third over with three consecutive sixes, finishing with 46 runs on 27 balls with 6 sixes and 1 four.

• Abdullah Shafique (Lahore Qalandars): Shafique’s 41 runs provided stability, complementing the aggressive starts by Naeem and Perera.

• Hasan Nawaz (Quetta Gladiators): Nawaz’s 76 off 43 balls was a valiant effort, giving Quetta a competitive total.

• Faheem Ashraf (Quetta Gladiators): Ashraf’s late surge of 28 off 8 balls, including 6,4,6,6 in the final over, boosted Quetta’s score significantly.

Bowling Highlights

• Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars): Afridi led from the front with 3 wickets for 24 runs, restricting Quetta’s middle order and earning praise for his strategic bowling.

• Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators): Ahmed took 1 wicket for 27 runs, attempting to stem Lahore’s chase but falling short against their aggressive batting.

Key Moments

The PSL X Final was defined by several dramatic moments:

• Highest Successful Chase: Lahore’s chase of 202 runs marked the highest successful chase in PSL final history, surpassing the previous record of 175 from the inaugural edition (ESPNcricinfo Match Report).

• Sikandar Raza’s Heroics: Arriving just 10 minutes before the toss after a grueling journey from England, Raza’s composure in the final over was pivotal. With 8 runs needed off 3 balls, he hit a six over deep cover-point and a four to deep midwicket, clinching the victory with a ball to spare.

• Mohammad Naeem’s Explosive Start: Naeem’s 23 runs in the third over, including a hat-trick of sixes, set an aggressive tone for Lahore’s chase.

• Faheem Ashraf’s Late Surge: Ashraf’s 23 runs in the final over, with 3 sixes, gave Quetta a fighting chance by pushing their total to 201.

• Kusal Perera’s Counterattack: Perera’s aggressive play, particularly in the 18th over with a four-six combo, kept Lahore in the hunt when 47 runs were needed off the last three overs.

Shaheen Afridi’s Leadership and Reaction

Shaheen Afridi’s leadership was instrumental in Lahore’s triumph. His 3 wickets for 24 runs disrupted Quetta’s batting lineup, while his strategic decisions, such as relying on Perera and Raza in the chase, paid off.

Post-match, Afridi was visibly emotional, as captured in X posts showing him in tears in the dugout (@Ramz_004). In a post-match interview, he credited his team’s collective effort, stating, “Credit to boys, they all played their roles” (@iamAhmadhaseeb).

His emotional reaction underscored the significance of this third title, a testament to his growth as a captain and leader.

Tournament Context

The PSL X, which ran from April 11 to May 25, 2025, faced a seven-day pause due to India-Pakistan tensions, rescheduling the final to May 25. Lahore Qalandars entered the final in dominant form, having defeated Islamabad United by 95 runs in Eliminator 2.

Quetta Gladiators, led by Saud Shakeel, secured their final spot after beating Islamabad United in Qualifier 1. The tournament featured 34 matches across multiple venues, with Gaddafi Stadium hosting 13, including the final.

Significance of the Victory

Lahore Qalandars’ third PSL title cements their status as one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history. Shaheen Afridi’s unprecedented achievement as the only captain to win three PSL trophies highlights his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team.

The victory also showcased the depth of Lahore’s squad, with international stars like Kusal Perera and Sikandar Raza complementing local talents like Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique.

For Quetta Gladiators, despite a strong performance, the loss marked their fourth unsuccessful attempt at a PSL final win.

Fan and Media Reactions

The victory sparked widespread celebrations, with fans on X praising Afridi’s leadership and the team’s resilience. Posts highlighted emotional scenes in the dugout, with one user noting, “Shaheen Shah Afridi getting emotional in the end 😢” (@Ramz_004).

Another user lauded Afridi’s post-match press conference, where his humor and gratitude shone through (@SubahsadiqRajp2). Media outlets, including ESPNcricinfo and The National, celebrated the match as a “textbook final” for its see-saw nature and dramatic finish.

Conclusion

The PSL X Final was a fitting culmination of a competitive season, with Lahore Qalandars’ victory over Quetta Gladiators showcasing the best of T20 cricket.

Shaheen Afridi’s historic third title as captain, combined with standout performances from Kusal Perera, Sikandar Raza, and Mohammad Naeem, made this a memorable triumph. As Lahore celebrates, the Qalandars’ legacy as a powerhouse in the PSL continues to grow, driven by Afridi’s leadership and the team’s unwavering determination.

Nikhil Sharma

Nikhil Sharma is a seasoned news editor at TheDailyNewsTimes.com, based in India. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in political, entertainment and cultural journalism. His editorial leadership delivers balanced, impactful content for a global audience. Nikhil’s dedication to truth has earned him widespread respect in the industry.

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