Sikandar Raza’s Epic Journey: From England Test to PSL Final Heroics in Pakistan
In a tale that could rival any Hollywood blockbuster, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza scripted one of the most unforgettable moments in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history. Just 24 hours after playing a Test match for Zimbabwe in Nottingham, England, Raza landed in Lahore a mere 10 minutes before the toss and went on to smash the winning runs for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL 2025 final against Quetta Gladiators at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Raza’s whirlwind journey saw him traverse continents with layovers in Birmingham, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi before reaching Pakistan. Despite the grueling travel schedule, the 39-year-old all-rounder walked onto the field to a hero’s welcome and delivered a match-defining, unbeaten 22 off 7 balls. His decisive boundary off the penultimate ball sealed a thrilling six-wicket victory, crowning Lahore Qalandars as PSL champions for the third time in their history.
Reflecting on his extraordinary day, Raza quipped, “Had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi, and dinner in Pakistan. I’m just blessed to live this life.” His words echoed the passion and resilience that have made him a fan favorite across the globe, as he was carried off the field by jubilant teammates amid deafening roars from the packed stadium.
Chasing a daunting 202 to win, Lahore Qalandars achieved the highest successful chase in a PSL final, finishing at 204/4 in 19.5 overs. Sri Lankan star Kusal Perera played a pivotal role with a blistering 62* off 31 balls, while openers Mohammad Naeem (46) and Abdullah Shafique (41) laid a solid foundation. Raza’s late cameo, however, stole the show, ensuring the target was chased down with nerves of steel.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators had posted a formidable 201/9, powered by a sensational 76 from young prodigy Hasan Nawaz and a late blitz from Faheem Ashraf, who smashed 23 runs in the final over. However, Lahore’s pace duo of Shaheen Afridi (3-24) and Haris Rauf (2-41) applied the brakes during the death overs to keep Quetta’s total within reach.
This victory marks Lahore Qalandars’ third PSL title, following their triumphs in 2022 and 2023, tying them with Islamabad United as the most successful franchise in the league’s history. In a season already marred by a mid-tournament suspension due to political unrest in the region, Raza’s last-gasp heroics provided a fairy-tale ending that cricket fans will cherish for years to come.
From the chilly winds of Nottingham to the electric atmosphere of Lahore, Sikandar Raza’s journey embodies the spirit of cricket—a game where passion, grit, and a bit of madness can create history. As the PSL 2025 comes to a close, Raza stands tall as the symbol of perseverance, proving that no distance is too great when glory awaits on the other side.