Lahore Qalandars’ all-rounder Sikandar Raza pulled off a remarkable feat by joining his team just moments before the PSL 10 final toss, just hours after Zimbabwe succumbed to an innings defeat to England in Nottingham.
After wrapping up a Test match for Zimbabwe in the one-off Test against England ended late Saturday night in Nottingham, yet Raza managed to make it to Lahore by Sunday and joined the Qalandars right before the match began at Gaddafi Stadium.
His presence proved crucial—he played a key unbeaten knock of 22 runs and clinched victory with a boundary off Faheem Ashraf in the final over, helping Lahore secure a thrilling win.
After the match, Raza shared his whirlwind travel story: “I batted for about 25 overs on Saturday, had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi, and made it to Lahore just in time.”
He admitted to being completely exhausted but remained focused: “I knew my team needed me. I told myself no matter how tired I was, I had to play my best with every delivery.”
With teammates Asif Ali out due to concussion and Naeem struggling with fitness, Raza stepped up when it mattered most, turning what seemed like an impossible situation into a memorable PSL victory.
“Had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, drove to Abu Dhabi for lunch, took a flight and had dinner in Pakistan,” Raza said with a smile that belied the chaos behind his calm match-winning 22 not out from only five dekiveries. “I guess this is the life of a professional cricketer. I’m truly humbled and blessed to have it.
It was more than just runs on a scoreboard. It was heart, grit, and a beautiful collision of passion and purpose.”
When it came down to the final over 13 needed, one title on the line, Raza kept his cool as ever, lifted a massive six over long-on before slicing a four through backward point to seal the win with one ball remaining. The crowd erupted, the dugout emptied, and a tired but triumphant Raza stood with his arms raised — a picture of resilience, relief, and raw emotion.
Hasan Nawaz had earlier powered Quetta Gladiators to 201-9 with a scintillating 76, but even that brilliance faded in the face of Lahore's chase and Raza's fairytale finish.
