Qalandars and Gladiators battle for PSL X trophy today

Lahore Qalandars players celebrate a wicket during the PSL 10 match against Quetta Gladiators at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 13, 2025. — PCB

LAHORE: The stage is set for the grand finale of Pakistan Super League 2025 as Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators prepare to lock horns in what promises to be an electrifying encounter at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday (today).

This highly-anticipated T20 final will be played under lights, with a packed stadium expected and millions of fans around the world eagerly awaiting the climax of what has been a thrilling tournament.

The business end of PSL 2025 has delivered spectacular cricket over the last three days of knockout drama at Lahore’s premier venue.

The playoff series began on May 21 with Quetta Gladiators stamping their authority by defeating Islamabad United by 30 runs in Qualifier 1, securing a direct passage to the final and demonstrating their championship credentials.

The following day saw an intense rivalry unfold as Lahore Qalandars faced Karachi Kings in Eliminator 1, with the home team chasing down the target confidently to win by 6 wickets and eliminate their local rivals.

The drama reached its peak on May 23 when Lahore Qalandars produced a sensational all-round performance in Eliminator 2, decimating defending champions Islamabad United by a comprehensive margin runs to book their place in the final.

Quetta Gladiators enter this final as the most consistent team throughout PSL 2025, having finished at the top of the round-robin table and earning their place in the final after a six-year wait. Under the captaincy of Saud Shakeel, the Gladiators are making their fourth appearance in a PSL final and will be hoping to claim their second title after their triumph in PSL 4 back in 2019.

Their comprehensive 30-run victory over Islamabad United in Qualifier 1 showcased the depth and match-winning capability that has made them the tournament’s standout performers.

The Gladiators’ batting unit has been anchored by young sensation Hasan Nawaz, who has emerged as the franchise’s highest run-getter with 323 runs in 11 matches.

His consistent performances at the top of the order have provided crucial foundations for victory throughout the campaign.

The experienced South African Rilee Rossouw has been equally impressive, contributing 250 runs in ten matches at an average of 35.71, providing much-needed stability in the middle order. Captain Saud Shakeel has led from the front with 233 runs in 11 matches, including one half-century that demonstrates his ability to anchor innings while marshalling his troops effectively.

In their Qualifier 1 victory, several Gladiators batsmen stepped up when it mattered most. Dinesh Chandimal produced a match-winning knock of 48 off 28 balls, decorated with four fours and three sixes, while all-rounder Faheem Ashraf provided crucial acceleration with a brisk 45 off just 23 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.

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