By: Imran Yousafzai
In a remarkable display of dedication and skill, Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final. Raza’s journey to Lahore was nothing short of extraordinary. While still playing a Test match for Zimbabwe against England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Raza received a call from Lahore Qalandars’ owner, Samin Rana, informing him of his flight to Dubai and subsequently to Lahore for the final.
With barely any time to spare, Raza rushed from the ground to his hotel, packed his bags, and made his way to Birmingham for his flight to Dubai. From Dubai, he drove to Abu Dhabi and then flew to Lahore, finally reaching the city at 6:50 pm. After a quick change, he was on the field at 7:25 pm, ready to face the challenge ahead.
In the final, Raza proved to be the real hero for Lahore Qalandars. With 31 runs required off 12 balls, Raza hit a four and a six off Mohammad Amir’s last two balls, turning the game in favor of his team. In the final over, he hit a six and a four, sealing the win for Lahore Qalandars.
Undoubtedly, the victory of Lahore Qalandars includes the hard work of the entire team, but the way Kasal Perera and Sikandar Raza fought bravely in the final is unparalleled. This victory is the most important achievement in the history of the Pakistan Super League because before this, no team had achieved the target of 200 runs in the final. With this victory, Lahore Qalandars have now become the second team to win three titles along with Islamabad United. After 2022 and 2023, Lahore Qalandars have won this third Pakistan Super League title and Shaheen Afridi has become the only captain to win three titles in four years. Ten years of Pakistan’s biggest cricket event “Pakistan Super League” have also been completed and it is heard that next year two more teams will be part of this wonderful event, surely some more new and young players will get a chance to show their talents. The performance of some new and young players who came forward in Pakistan Super League 10 will also be discussed in the next article.
The win is a testament to the team’s hard work and Raza’s unwavering commitment to his team. Lahore Qalandars’ victory in the PSL 10 final will be remembered for a long time, and Sikandar Raza’s heroics will be etched in the memories of cricket fans forever.
(Imran Yousafzai is a senior journalist, sports analyst/anchor person)
