LAHORE – The grand finale of the landmark HBL Pakistan Super League X will see two-time champions Lahore Qalandars take on 2019 winners Quetta Gladiators in a title clash at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium Lahore today (Sunday).The finale is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM (PKT), with Monday (May 26), designated as the reserve day.
With a glittering prize of USD 500,000 awaiting the winners and USD 200,000 reserved for the runners-up, the stakes could not be higher in what promises to be a pulsating end to the 34-match tournament.The final presents a chance for the Lahore Qalandars to complete a historic treble and become only the second franchise in PSL history to lift the trophy thrice, while the Quetta Gladiators seek to end a six-year title drought and clinch their second championship.
Qalandars’ journey to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. Having finished fourth in the league stage with five wins and four losses, the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led unit delivered emphatic performances in the playoffs, defeating Karachi Kings in Eliminator 1 and Islamabad United by a massive 95 runs in Eliminator 2, to storm into their third final in four seasons.
In contrast, the Gladiators have been the most consistent side of the season, topping the points table with seven wins, two defeats, and one no-result. Their comprehensive 30-run victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier sealed their passage to the final and marked a remarkable turnaround from their dismal outings in 2023 and 2024.
The Qalandars’ campaign has been driven by dynamic contributions from both batters and bowlers. Fakhar Zaman (428 runs), Abdullah Shafique (349), and Mohammad Naeem (270) have provided solidity and firepower up top, while Shaheen Afridi (16 wickets), Haris Rauf (15), and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (12) have made crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
The Gladiators, captained by the composed Saud Shakeel, have found strength in depth. Their bowling attack, led by Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf with 16 wickets apiece, along with Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Amir (12 each), has repeatedly delivered under pressure. Mohammad Wasim Jnr (10 wickets) has also added vital support.
With the bat, emerging sensation Hasan Nawaz (323 runs at a strike rate above 150) and seasoned South African campaigner Rilee Rossouw (250 runs) have anchored their side’s batting firepower.
Lahore Qalandars have enjoyed the upper hand over Quetta Gladiators in HBL PSL X. They won their first league encounter by 79 runs, while the second fixture was washed out after explosive half-centuries from Naeem and Abdullah. Overall, across 20 meetings in PSL history, Qalandars lead with 11 wins, while the Gladiators have triumphed 8 times (1 no result).
Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sounded equally determined. “It’s a proud moment for us to feature in our third PSL final in the last four editions. Our campaign has been a story of resilience, and the way the players have responded under pressure has been exceptional. “Playing at our home ground, in front of our passionate fans, gives us an added boost. We take confidence from our recent performances against Quetta and aim to complete the treble on Sunday,” he added.
Quetta Gladiators skipper Saud Shakeel expressed confidence ahead of the final. “I am thrilled and honoured to be leading Quetta in an HBL PSL final. Gaddafi Stadium has been a lucky venue for us this season, and we’ll look to carry that winning momentum into the final.“The team has shown great character throughout the tournament with multiple match-winners stepping up. Lahore Qalandars are a formidable side, and fans can expect a high-octane, competitive final,” he added.
