Lahore Qalandars Bolstered by Raza’s Return for PSL 10 Final Against Quetta Gladiators

Lahore Qalandars have received a significant morale boost as they prepare to face Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final at Gaddafi Stadium.

Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza has rejoined the Qalandars’ roster after fulfilling his international duties. He participated in a historic Test match against England, marking Zimbabwe’s first Test in England since 2003 and their first appearance in any format there since 2004.

Despite Zimbabwe’s loss in the Test, Raza’s return is opportune for the Qalandars as they head into the PSL final.

The Qalandars officially announced his return with a video shared on their social media, captioned, “Guess who’s back? 🤭.”

Raza has been a key performer for the Qalandars throughout the tournament’s group stage.

Over 10 matches, he accumulated 232 runs with a strike rate of 162.23, which includes two half-centuries. His contributions were crucial in helping the Shaheen Afridi-led team secure a spot in the playoffs.

During Raza’s absence, Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz was brought in as a replacement.

However, Miraz did not play in any matches while Raza was away.

The Qalandars secured their place in the final with a dominant display in Eliminator 2, where they defeated the defending champions, Islamabad United.

After electing to bat first, Lahore posted an imposing total of 202-8, thanks to notable performances from Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera. Islamabad United were subsequently bowled out for 107 in 15.1 overs, suffering a 95-run loss.

The Qalandars’ bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain, each took three wickets, dismantling Islamabad’s batting order and ensuring a decisive victory.

Lahore Qalandars Squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Muhammad Akhlaq, Momin Qamar (E), Mohammad Azab (E), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Naeem (E).