The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 concluded with a thrilling finale as Lahore Qalandars defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets to claim their third PSL title.
The final, held on May 25, 2025, at the Qaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore, provided cricket fans with a spectacular end to what had been a challenging yet memorable tournament.
Last-Ball Thriller: Qalandars Chase Down 202 in Heart-Stopping Final
Lahore Qalandars chased down Quetta Gladiators’ total of 201/9 with just one ball to spare, finishing at 204/4 in 19.5 overs. The victory was built on exceptional performances from key players, with Kusal Perera delivering an unbeaten 62 off 31 balls to guide his team home in a nail-biting finish.
The match lived up to its billing as a final worthy encounter, with both teams displaying the skill and determination that had brought them to this stage. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledged that while they expected Quetta to post around 180, they never anticipated a 200-plus score, but backed themselves to chase it down with good shot selection.
Kusal Perera’s Match-Winning Heroics Steal the Show
The final showcased some remarkable individual displays. Kusal Perera was rightfully named the player of the match for his match-winning knock. Perera explained their approach: “We had to take calculated risks. It worked out, and we ended up as champions. My mind was going everywhere. We needed four sixes, so we planned like that”.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Afridi contributed with figures of 3/24 in 4 overs, demonstrating his leadership both as captain and with the ball. For the losing side, Hassan Nawaz top-scored with 76 off 43 balls, continuing his excellent form throughout the tournament.
Hassan Nawaz Claims Player of Tournament Despite Final Heartbreak
The 2025 PSL recognized several standout performers across different categories. Hassan Nawaz from Quetta Gladiators was awarded the Player of the Tournament, highlighting his consistent performances despite being on the losing side in the final. Shaheen Afridi claimed the Bowler of the Tournament award with 19 wickets from 12 matches, while Hassan Nawaz also secured the Batsman of the Tournament recognition.
Tournament Challenges And Resilience
The 2025 PSL faced unprecedented challenges that tested the tournament’s resilience. Originally scheduled from 11 April to 18 May 2025, the league was delayed to 25 May amid the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. On 8 May, a match in Rawalpindi was postponed after an attempted drone attack near the stadium, leading to significant scheduling disruptions.
Despite these obstacles, the Pakistan Cricket Board successfully completed the tournament, with the final stages taking place in Pakistan as planned. The challenges only seemed to strengthen the resolve of the participating teams and organizers.
Shaheen Afridi’s Captaincy Masterclass Delivers Third Title in Four Years
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi praised his team’s approach and highlighted the contributions of key players: “Kusal Perera played a brilliant innings, and as for Sikandar Raza, what more could a captain ask for than having a player who shows his commitment when it matters the most?”
This victory marked a significant achievement for Afridi in his role as captain, successfully leading the team to their third title in four years.
PSL Champions Of The Last Five Years
Here’s a look at the PSL champions from the last five seasons:
| Year | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Lahore Qalandars | Quetta Gladiators |
| 2024 | Islamabad United | Multan Sultans |
| 2023 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans |
| 2022 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans |
| 2021 | Multan Sultans | Peshawar Zalmi |
Qalandars Join Elite Club with Third PSL Crown
This victory makes Lahore Qalandars one of the most dominant teams in recent PSL history, having won three titles in the last four seasons (2022, 2023, and 2025). As noted in the PSL champions list, only one other team has matched this feat, showcasing the Qalandars’ sustained dominance.
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Conclusion: A Tournament That Proved Cricket’s Unbreakable Spirit
The 2025 PSL final will be remembered as one of the most exciting conclusions to the tournament’s history. Lahore Qalandars’ victory, achieved in dramatic fashion with just one ball remaining, exemplified the competitive spirit and high-quality cricket that has made the PSL one of the premier T20 leagues globally.
This triumph made Lahore Qalandars the second team to win the PSL title for the third time, cementing their status as one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history. The tournament’s ability to overcome significant challenges and deliver thrilling cricket demonstrates the growing strength and resilience of Pakistani cricket.
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