The season’s final will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium
After an exciting month of cricket, the stage is set for the final clash between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators this Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Lahore Qalandars secured a commanding 95-run win over Islamabad United in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator 2 on Friday, thanks to quick half-centuries by Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera, combined with a strong bowling performance.
This defeat ended United’s hopes of defending their title, while the two-time champions Lahore Qalandars advance to face the top-ranked Quetta Gladiators in the eagerly awaited PSL 10 final, to be held at the same venue on Sunday.
When the league was suspended two weeks ago, the Qalandars were among the teams most impacted by player absences for the remainder of the season. Key players Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, and David Wiese did not return. Sikandar Raza rejoined but only for one knockout match against Peshawar Zalmi. Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan, vital to the Qalandars’ previous titles, struggled with form and economy.
To fill these gaps, Lahore brought in two Sri Lankan players — Kusal Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa — both returning after months away from T20 cricket. They combined for 83 runs off 48 balls against Islamabad. Additionally, 31-year-old fast bowler Salman Mirza, who debuted in first-class cricket just 18 months ago, has impressed with seven wickets in three games. Mohammad Naeem, initially seen as a developmental player, has cemented his place in the top order alongside Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique.
On the other hand, Quetta Gladiators have dominated recent weeks, easing any doubts about their final spot. Their last loss was on April 18, and they have won seven consecutive completed matches.
Crucially, Finn Allen and Rilee Rossouw have returned to the side, and Sri Lankan duo Avishka Fernando and Dinesh Chandimal contributed significantly in the qualifier that secured their final berth on Wednesday.
More importantly, Quetta boasts a formidable local bowling attack, rivaling any team in the league this season. Mohammad Amir has been exceptional, maintaining an impressive wicket tally with an economy rate of just 7.41. Abrar Ahmed shares second place in wickets with an even better economy, while all-rounder Faheem Ashraf also stands out with 16 wickets.
The Gladiators’ recent success contrasts with the Qalandars’ journey, as Quetta reached three of the first four finals, whereas Lahore struggled at the bottom of the table during those seasons.
Despite winning in 2019 and suggesting the rise of a dynasty, Quetta then experienced a decline, missing playoffs in four of the following five seasons.
This year, the Gladiators have worked carefully to fix their weaknesses, while the Qalandars appear to have done a remarkable job managing their own challenges.
