LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators chose to bat first against Lahore Qalandars in the final of the tenth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) held on Sunday in Lahore. Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel won the toss and opted to set the target, aiming to leverage the pressure of a big final on the Qalandars.
Quetta Gladiators secured their place in the final by topping the group stage after a strong comeback in the playoffs. They defeated Islamabad United in the first playoff match, displaying resilience after an early season hiccup. Their balanced lineup features key players such as Finn Allen, Dinesh Chandimal (wicketkeeper), Avishka Fernando, Rilee Rossouw, and Mohammad Amir, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the final.
On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars had a more turbulent season. Starting strong and among early leaders, the team faced a string of defeats that almost knocked them out of the competition. However, they revived their campaign with a critical win against Peshawar Zalmi in what was a knockout encounter. Despite some lapses in fielding during the first eliminator, the Qalandars bounced back to comfortably beat Karachi Kings and then overpowered defending champions Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 to book their spot in the final.
The Qalandars’ squad, led by captain Shaheen Afridi, includes experienced and dynamic players such as Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wicketkeeper), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, and Haris Rauf. Their blend of youth and experience makes them a formidable opponent.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-matched teams, both hungry to lift the prestigious PSL trophy. Fans eagerly await the showdown to see which side will emerge victorious in this exciting climax to the HBL PSL X season.
