In a high-octane Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 final clash at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Quetta Gladiators put up a strong show with the bat, posting a competitive total of 201/9 in their 20 overs against defending champions Lahore Qalandars. After winning the toss, Quetta skipper Saud Shakeel opted to bat first, and the decision paid off with a blazing knock by the experienced Rilee Rossouw, who hammered 76 runs off just 41 balls.
Despite losing early wickets, the Gladiators kept the scoreboard ticking, thanks to aggressive contributions from several middle-order batsmen.
Top Performers with the Bat:
- Rilee Rossouw: 76 (41), 5 fours, 4 sixes
- Finn Allen: 22 (11), strike rate 200
- Dinesh Chandimal: 28 (22), steadying the middle
- Avishka Fernando: 22 (13), provided acceleration late on
Quetta faced an early jolt when captain Saud Shakeel fell for 12 in the third over, caught by Kusal Perera off Shaheen Afridi. However, Finn Allen’s brief but explosive 22-run cameo kept the momentum alive. Rossouw then led the charge with a fiery innings, slamming boundaries across the park before falling to Sikandar Raza.
In the latter stages, the middle and lower order added crucial runs, with Chandimal and Fernando playing vital roles. Despite a mini-collapse in the 18th over where Quetta lost three quick wickets—including Mohammad Amir for a duck—they managed to cross the 200-run mark.
Lahore’s Bowling Effort:
- Shaheen Afridi: 4-0-24-3 – economical and lethal
- Salman Mirza: 4-0-51-2 – expensive but effective
- Haris Rauf: 4-0-41-2 – mixed outing
- Sikandar Raza: 4-0-43-1 – provided key breakthrough
- Rishad Hossain: 4-0-42-1 – targeted during middle overs
Shaheen Afridi stood out as the pick of the bowlers, striking at crucial moments, including dismissing the in-form Rossouw. Haris Rauf and Salman Mirza chipped in with two wickets each but proved costly during death overs. Lahore Qalandars now face a stiff chase and need 202 runs to clinch the PSL 2025 title.
Fall of Wickets:
- 17/1 (Saud Shakeel, 2.4 ov)
- 21/2 (Finn Allen, 3.1 ov)
- 58/3 (Rossouw, 6.2 ov)
- 125/4 (Fernando, 12.5 ov)
- 171/5 (Chandimal, 17.2 ov)
- 172/6 (Hussain Nawaz, 17.5 ov)
- 173/7 (Amir, 18.2 ov)
- 173/8 (Abrar Ahmed, 18.3 ov)
- 201/9 (Faheem Ashraf, 20.0 ov)
Match Context:
This being the final match of PSL 10 (Match 34 of 34), the pressure is immense. Lahore Qalandars, who have shown resilience throughout the tournament, now face their biggest challenge under the lights of Lahore. The required run rate stands at 10.05, setting up a thrilling second innings.
Stay tuned for the run chase, where Shaheen Afridi’s men will aim to chase down 202 and secure back-to-back titles, while Quetta Gladiators look to clinch glory after a dominant batting display.
