Lahore, May 24, 2025: The much-anticipated final of the landmark HBL Pakistan Super League Season X will take place tonight at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where two-time champions Lahore Qalandars will face 2019 winners Quetta Gladiators in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. The match is set to begin at 7:30 PM PKT.
This year’s edition, comprising 34 matches, culminates in a final that could see either Lahore Qalandars become only the second franchise to lift the trophy three times, or Quetta Gladiators claim their second title after a six-year wait. The champions will receive a prize of USD 500,000, while the runners-up will take home USD 200,000.
Lahore Qalandars, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, had a turbulent journey in the league stage, securing the final playoff spot with five wins and four losses. However, they surged through the Eliminators, knocking out Karachi Kings and Islamabad United to reach their third final in four seasons.
In contrast, Quetta Gladiators, captained by Saud Shakeel, enjoyed a dominant campaign after disappointing performances in the last two editions. They topped the points table with seven wins, two losses, and one no-result, and secured their final berth by defeating Islamabad United by 30 runs in the Qualifier.
For the Qalandars, Fakhar Zaman (428 runs), Abdullah Shafique (349 runs), and Mohammad Naeem (270 runs) have led the charge with the bat. In the bowling department, Shaheen Shah Afridi (16 wickets), Haris Rauf (15 wickets), and Rishad Hossain (12 wickets) have been instrumental.
The Gladiators have been bolstered by consistent contributions from bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf (16 wickets each), along with Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Amir (12 wickets apiece). Hasan Nawaz (323 runs) and Rilee Rossouw (250 runs) have been the standout batters, striking at rates above 150.
Quetta has enjoyed particular success at the Gaddafi Stadium this season, winning five out of six games, with the sixth — against Lahore — ending in a rain-induced no-result. In their only completed encounter this season, Lahore thrashed Quetta by 79 runs.
This will be the 21st meeting between the two sides in PSL history. Lahore Qalandars currently lead the head-to-head record with 11 wins, while Quetta has won eight matches. One game ended without a result.
Saud Shakeel, Quetta Gladiators’ captain, expressed optimism ahead of the final:
“I’m thrilled and honored to be leading Quetta Gladiators in an HBL PSL final. Gaddafi Stadium has been a lucky venue for us and we aim to maintain our winning momentum. Our players have stepped up at crucial times, and we’re ready for an exciting contest against Lahore.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi, captain of Lahore Qalandars, sounded confident about completing a hat-trick of titles:
“We are buzzing to play our third final in the last four years, especially at our home ground. The team has shown great resilience, and we’re confident in our aggressive brand of cricket. Our win over Quetta earlier this season gives us belief heading into the final.”
