Sikandar Raza’s Heroic PSL 10 Final Triumph: A Story of Grit and Glory
A PSL 10 Final Hero cricketer boards a flight in Nottingham, England, after a grueling Test match, only to land in Lahore, Pakistan, 24 hours later, just 10 minutes before the toss of the PSL 10 final on May 25, 2025. That cricketer is Sikandar Raza, and his journey from the Trent Bridge turf to the Gaddafi Stadium spotlight is nothing short of cinematic.
“Had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, drove to Abu Dhabi for lunch, took a flight and had dinner in Pakistan,” said Raza
Leading Lahore Qalandars to their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title with a match-defining performance, Raza’s tale is one of resilience, skill, and sheer willpower. This isn’t just a PSL 2025 final match story; it’s a testament to the human spirit, as reported by Khelo Pakistan.
Sikandar Raza’s Extraordinary Journey
Fresh off a fighting 60 off 68 balls in Zimbabwe’s Test loss to England, Raza didn’t rest. Instead, he embarked on a whirlwind trip—Birmingham to Dubai, Dubai to Abu Dhabi, and finally Lahore.
“I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi, and dinner in Pakistan. This is the life of a professional cricketer.”
Raza said post-match, his voice tinged with exhaustion and pride. Arriving just in time, he told his Lahore Qalandars teammates,
“I am here to do a job, and god forbid, if we lost, at least I knew I was with my brothers.”
His loyalty and grit set the stage for an unforgettable night.
The PSL 10 Final: A Thrilling Encounter
The final pitted Lahore Qalandars against Quetta Gladiators in a nail-biter. Quetta, batting first after winning the toss, posted 201-9, powered by Hasan Nawaz’s blistering 76 off 43 balls, with Avishka Fernando (29) and Dinesh Chandimal (22) chipping in. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 3-24 kept Lahore in the game, but it was Raza’s bowling that turned the tide.
Sikandar Raza’s Stellar Contributions
- Early Breakthrough: Dismissed Rilee Rossouw in his first over, silencing Quetta’s crowd.
- Bowling Figures: Ended with 1‑43 from 4 overs.
- Jet‑Lagged Arrival: Walked in to bat needing 57 off 20 balls, fresh off international duty.
- Explosive Cameo: Scored 22* off 7 balls, including 2 × 6s and 2 × 4s.
- Clutch Six: In the final over, lofted a six over cover-point under immense pressure.
- Match‑Sealing Boundary: Followed up with a four to spark wild celebrations.
“I just watched the ball and played my best shot. I was so drained—I wasn’t even thinking.” Raza’s Reflection
Performance Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Batting | 22* (7 balls), 2×4, 2×6 |
| Bowling | 4 overs, 43 runs, 1 wicket (Rossouw), Economy: 10.75 |
A Season of Dedication
Raza’s heroics weren’t a one-off. Across PSL 10, he scored 228 runs at a strike rate of 162.85, notched two fifties, and propelled Lahore into the knockouts. His return for the final, despite the physical toll, spoke volumes. “If I had to pick one, it’d be this one, just because of the story. So much drama, and to win like this is unbelievable,” he said, still processing the triumph.
Why This Performance Stands Out
Raza’s feat rivals PSL legends like Darren Sammy’s 2017 final heroics or Kieron Pollard’s clutch knocks. Traveling 7,000 miles in a day, then delivering the highest successful chase in PSL final history (202), is a narrative for the ages. It cemented Lahore Qalandars’ dynasty with three titles and counting and showcased Raza as a global cricket icon.
An Impressive Sportsmanship
From Nottingham to Lahore, Sikandar Raza’s PSL 10 final triumph is a saga of dedication and brilliance. His legacy now shines alongside Lahore Qalandars’ storied history, inspiring fans worldwide. What’s your favorite PSL moment? Share below and join the celebration of cricket’s enduring spirit.
