Zimbabwean legend Sikandar Raza capped a whirlwind 24-hour journey with a match-winning cameo, guiding Lahore Qalandars to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the 2025 PSL final.
Chasing a record 202, Raza and Kusal Perera’s unbeaten 59-run stand—including Raza’s six and four off the final two balls—delivered Lahore’s third title in four years.
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Sikandar Raza’s Heroics Lead Lahore Qalandars to Record-Breaking PSL Title Win(BRG365)
Raza’s Last-Minute Arrival Sets the Stage
Raza’s improbable journey from Trent Bridge to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium became the stuff of legend. Just 10 minutes before Sunday’s toss, the Zimbabwean landed in Pakistan after playing Zimbabwe’s Test in England.
His flight path—dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi—highlighted the cricketer’s relentless commitment.
Despite jet lag, Raza dismissed Rilee Rossouw early and later emerged as the unlikely hero.
Perera’s Powerhouse Partnership
With Lahore needing 57 off 20 balls, Raza joined Perera at the crease.
The pair dismantled Quetta’s attack, starting with Raza’s boundary blitz against Mohammad Amir—four and six off consecutive balls.
Perera’s 31-ball 62* kept the chase alive, including three sixes and two fours in the penultimate over.
But it was Raza who sealed glory, smashing Faheem Ashraf for a six and four to win with a ball to spare.
Quetta’s Hasan Nawaz Shines in Vain
Earlier, Quetta’s Hasan Nawaz anchored their 201-9 total with a 43-ball 76, while Faheem Ashraf’s 28 off eight balls rescued the innings from collapse.
Lahore’s Shaheen Afridi claimed 3-24, but Ashraf’s late onslaught pushed the target beyond 200.
Lahore’s Unstoppable Knockout Run
Despite finishing fourth in the league, Lahore won three straight playoff games at home.
Raza’s dual role—1-43 with the ball and 22* with the bat—epitomized their fighting spirit. The victory equaled Islamabad United’s record of three PSL titles.
Raza’s “professional cricketer’s life” story—from Test defeat to PSL glory—will resonate for years.
As Lahore celebrated under fireworks, the Zimbabwean’s name echoed through the stadium, a fitting climax to an unforgettable final.
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