PSL 2025 Final: How Lahore Pulled Off a Stunning Victory Against Quetta Gladiators

When cricket fans tuned in for the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, few could have predicted the drama that would unfold. The stage was set at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, packed to capacity, buzzing with energy. Two of the most passionate teams—

Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars—were ready to battle it out for the title.
But what happened that night wasn’t just a cricket match. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, full of twists and turns that no scriptwriter could have planned better. Quetta looked in command, dominating the early half of the match. At one point, they had Lahore on the ropes. And yet, in true PSL fashion, Lahore Qalandars found a way back—thanks to a breathtaking knock from Sikandar Raza, a powerful cameo by Mohammad Naeem, and some critical bowling moments that turned the tide.
Let’s take a closer look at how the drama unfolded, moment by moment.

Toss Drama: Quetta Opts to Bat First

Winning the toss in a final always carries weight, and Quetta Gladiators made a bold call—they chose to bat first. The pitch in Lahore had been favoring batsmen, but chasing under lights could also be tricky. It was a gamble, but they were confident.
Things didn’t start well for them, though.
By the time the scoreboard showed 50 runs, Quetta had already lost three crucial wickets. Early breakthroughs from Lahore’s pace attack had tilted the game in their favor. Fans started murmuring—was this going to be another low-scoring final?
But then, Quetta showed what they were made of.

A Strong Recovery: The 202-Run Mountain

From 50/3, Quetta mounted an extraordinary comeback. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed played a smart, measured knock while power-hitters like Rilee Rossouw and Iftikhar Ahmed helped turn the game around with aggressive stroke play. Every over started yielding runs, and suddenly, Lahore’s bowling looked toothless.
What seemed like a struggling innings turned into a towering total of 202 runs. On a pitch that had slowed down slightly, it was a daunting score. Quetta fans were roaring, believing the trophy was finally within reach.
And honestly, so did most of the commentators.

Lahore’s Chase Starts Poorly: Fakhar Zaman Falls Early

Chasing 202 in a high-pressure final is never easy, and Lahore Qalandars' innings got off to a terrible start.
Fakhar Zaman, their star opener and big-match player, was dismissed early. The crowd fell silent. The pressure was mounting. Lahore needed someone to step up, but it looked like Quetta’s pace attack had full control.
At this point, things weren’t looking good. Lahore was struggling to find rhythm, and the required rate kept climbing.