Lahore: The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the HBL Pakistan Super League X as two-time champions Lahore Qalandars will face off against 2019 winners Quetta Gladiators in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. PKT, with a reserve day slated for Monday.
The landmark 34-match tournament will see either the Qalandars secure their third title, becoming only the second team to achieve this feat, or the Gladiators capture their second championship after a six-year gap. The winner will take home USD 500,000, while the runners-up will receive USD 200,000.
Lahore Qalandars, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, had a challenging path to the final. They entered the playoffs as the fourth team, securing five wins and four losses during the league stage. The Qalandars overcame Karachi Kings and Islamabad United in the Eliminators, marking their third final appearance in the last four editions.
Quetta Gladiators, captained by Saud Shakeel, experienced a remarkable turnaround this season. After a disappointing 2024, they topped the points table in 2025, winning seven games and losing only two. Quetta’s victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier by 30 runs secured their place in the final.
The Gladiators have performed well at the Gaddafi Stadium this season, winning five matches and having one no-result due to rain. They aim to maintain their strong record in the final.
Key players for Lahore include Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Naeem with the bat, and Shaheen, Haris Rauf, and Rishad Hossain with the ball. Quetta’s bowling attack, featuring Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Amir, has been crucial, while Hasan Nawaz and Rilee Rossouw have excelled with the bat.
Historically, Lahore has held a slight edge over Quetta, winning 11 out of 20 encounters. In their league meetings this season, Lahore won one match by 79 runs, while the other was abandoned.
As both captains expressed confidence in their teams’ performances, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating a competitive final.