Lahore Qalandars captain (left) and Quetta Gladiators captain with the PSL X trophy. —X/@thePSLt20/File
The grand finale of Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) Season 10 is ready for an exciting showdown in Lahore at present, as two-time champions Lahore Qalandars tackle 2019 titleholders Quetta Gladiators in a battle for supremacy.
The match is ready to start at 7:30pm, with Monday, 26 Could designated because the reserve day as a result of forecast of rain.
Including a second of nationwide pleasure to the cricketing spectacle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced {that a} particular tribute can be paid to the Pakistan Navy throughout the innings break. A ceremony can be held throughout the innings break.
This follows earlier tributes throughout the event to the Pakistan Military and Pakistan Air Drive in recognition of their profitable Operation Bunayn-um-Marsoos amid latest tensions with India.
The curtain will fall on PSL X as tonight’s winner will stroll away with the coveted trophy and a prize of $500,000, whereas the runners-up will obtain $200,000.
It’s an opportunity for Lahore Qalandars to change into solely the second group in PSL historical past to clinch a 3rd title, or for Quetta Gladiators to elevate the trophy for the primary time since 2019.
Qalandars, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, had a rocky path to the ultimate, ending fourth within the league stage with 5 wins and 4 losses. Nevertheless, they peaked on the proper time, knocking out Karachi Kings and Islamabad United within the Eliminators to succeed in their third last in 4 years.
Gladiators in the meantime, underneath the management of Saud Shakeel, have had a standout season after struggling within the final two editions. They topped the factors desk with seven wins, simply two losses, and one no-result. Their dominant 30-run win over Islamabad United within the Qualifier sealed their place within the last.
The Gladiators will really feel at residence on the Gaddafi Stadium, the place they’ve registered 5 wins this season. Their solely deserted sport was additionally in Lahore — in opposition to the very group they’ll face tonight.
For Qalandars, Fakhar Zaman (428 runs), Abdullah Shafique (349), and Mohammad Naeem (270) have offered sturdy batting performances all through the season. Their tempo assault — that includes Shaheen (16 wickets), Haris Rauf (15), and Rishad Hossain (12) — has been instrumental in turning video games round.
Quetta’s bowling energy lies within the spin and tempo duo of Abrar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf (16 wickets every), supported by Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. In the meantime, 23-year-old Hasan Nawaz and veteran Rilee Rossouw have led the batting with strike charges over 150.
In head-to-head encounters this season, Lahore has had the sting. They secured a commanding 79-run win within the first assembly, whereas the second match was washed out after quickfire half-centuries by Naeem and Abdullah. Traditionally, Qalandars lead the rivalry with 11 wins to Gladiators’ eight throughout 20 matches.
Talking forward of the ultimate, Shakeel mentioned he was honoured to steer the Gladiators in a match of this magnitude.
“Lahore Qalandars are an exciting opposition for a high-stakes game, and I’m sure the fans will witness a highly competitive final,” he mentioned.
Shaheen Afridi, in the meantime, mentioned his aspect would look to capitalise on residence benefit.
“We’ll take confidence from our earlier win against Quetta and aim to complete the treble at our home ground,” he acknowledged.
With nationwide pleasure, historical past, and a championship on the road, the PSL 10 last guarantees to ship each ardour and efficiency.
