Lahore Qalandars Win Third PSL Title Led by Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, made a remarkable journey from playing a Test match against England to arriving in Lahore just 10 minutes before the PSL final toss and leading Lahore Qalandars to their third title in four years. Despite a grueling travel schedule involving multiple flights and minimal rest, Raza scored an unbeaten 22 off seven balls, including a crucial six and four in the final over, to guide Lahore in successfully chasing a record 202-run target against Quetta Gladiators. Kusal Perera's 62 not out and Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling performance were also pivotal for Lahore, while Quetta's Hasan Nawaz contributed a strong 76 runs. Lahore won by six wickets with one ball to spare, equaling Islamabad United's record of three PSL titles, with Afridi becoming the only captain to win three PSL championships. Raza's extraordinary feat of flying from England and immediately influencing the outcome of the final captured widespread admiration and highlighted the intense demands and dedication of professional cricket players. Quetta had posted a competitive 201-9, but despite a late surge from Faheem Ashraf, Lahore’s bowling and Raza’s finishing proved decisive.