Lahore’s Title, Quetta’s Tears: The 3 Moments That Sealed the PSL 2025 Final

The PSL 2025 final at Lahore could be marketed as a classic contest. Quetta rode on Hasan Nawaz’s explosive 76 to notch up 202—a total that should’ve had them breathing easier, especially as Lahore stumbled frequently during the chase. Quetta started promisingly, attempted to build momentum, and then faded away as Lahore chased it down with six wickets and a ball remaining. So what exactly went wrong for Quetta? Let’s unpack the three main reasons they crumbled in the final.

Early Wickets but a Middle-Order Collapse That Shook the Foundation

Quetta’s start may have looked encouraging with Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen trying to stabilise the innings; however, when the double whammy that was Shakeel and Allen left them flat at less than 20. Hasan Nawaz’s 76 was outstanding, made better by the pathetic support from the middle order, with Rilee Rossouw and Avishka Fernando making starts but not able to convert.

The situation was succinctly captured after the loss of Nawaz (172 for 6), when none of the tail showed any branches of sustained partnerships and after the intent to accelerate had gone up remaining opportunities passed in nearly single figurs and even then, it would have been better to be out for single digits rather than to hang on. Faheem Ashraf provided some light at the end with 28 off 8, unfortunately that the outcome was predetermined, and by that time, the ship had sailed. 

Kusal Perera’s Match-Winning Brilliance Flipped the Script

As Quetta struggled to string runs, Kusal Perera’s brilliance became the anchor of Lahore’s steady march. His 62 not out off just 31 balls was an aggressive yet calm display, which typifies the mentality needed in a final. Perera possessed a strike rate of 200—he not only kept the scoreboard ticking, when needed, he opened his shoulders and let it explode.

This innings was the moment that swung the momentum in favor of Lahore. Wickets were tumbling, including the early dismissals of Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem, but Perera took control and started to smash boundaries, completely dismantling Quetta’s bowling plan. The fact that he could absorb pressure at the beginning of his innings and then go in at will was the linchpin to Lahore’s success in completing the chase.

Shaheen Afridi’s Seam Symphony and Match-Winning Mind

Credit where it’s due—Shaheen Shah Afridi was the storm behind Lahore’s celebration. He had bowling figures of 3 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs — economical, incisive and making an early impact, after dismissing Saud Shakeel in a strange spur of inattention from the Gladiators’ skipper to set the tone for the innings.

He lit up the field with sharp reflexes, snatching crucial catches—including a game-changing one off Rilee Rossouw that halted Quetta’s surge. His captaincy and field positioning were also part of his complete bowling performance. Afridi was not only a bowler, he was a tactical weapon which gave the edge to Lahore, when you have your flagship bowler as your captain, who performs every function, this translates to a mammoth team advantage that Quetta was unable to counter.

Quetta’s script had potential, but Act Two was hijacked by Perera’s elegance and Shaheen’s ruthless efficiency. Afridi. The Lahore Qalandars who enjoyed a mixture of youth and experience executed their game plan perfectly under pressure and showed why they are deserved champions. It is back to the drawing board for Quetta but hopefully with players like Hasan Nawaz showing them the way, the future is bright.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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