Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza played a sensational role as he led his side Lahore Qalandars to a stunning last over win vs Quetta Gladiators in the final of PSL 10 final on Sunday.
Sikanadar Raza, who arrived in Pakistan just before the match, played a match-winning knock, scoring 22 of just seven balls to seal PSL 10 title for Lahore Qalandars.
Chasing a target of 202-run, Lahore Qalandars hit the winning runs on the second ball of the penultimate over, losing only four wickets in the process.
Kusal Perera played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 62 off 31 balls alongside Sikandar Raza.
While speaking during the post-match celebrations, Sikandar Raza shed light on his journey towards Pakistan before the grand final.
“I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi and flew straight to Lahore for the PSL final. This is the life of a professional cricketer, and I am truly blessed to have this life,” he said.
Sikandar Raza reflected on the physically and emotionally demanding days leading up to the final.
“[I] bowled 25 overs day before yesterday [during the one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe]. Batted for 20-odd overs yesterday,” Raza added.
He further said, “I tried to take the emotions out. I am here to do my job. God forbid, we lost the game. I know I am with my brothers.
He described the journey to the final as unbelievable and said that winning in such fashion left him speechless.
“If I told you how I got here, it is unbelievable. And to have a victory like this, I just have no words. The journey helped. I was basically blank out there and did not try to premeditate,” Raza remarked.
Reflecting on Lahore’s experience in high-pressure games, Raza noted that they had previously won a final against Multan Sultans that went to the last ball,
“We had a final two years [against Multan Sultans where Qalandars won by one run] that went to the last ball. No other team is more prepared than us, given the do-or-die games we had to face this time around to get here,” the 39-year-old recalled.
He also spoke about the injuries and concussions Lahore Qalandars faced, mentioning that despite all the drama, he would choose this final over the one two years ago.
“We had concussions; Naeem wasn’t fit. There was so much drama in this game. I pick this final over the one two years ago,” he concluded.
Earlier a day before Sikandar Raza was trying to prevent an innings defeat in the Test match for Zimbabwe against England at Trent Bridge. He scored 60 off 68 balls before getting out, resulting in his team’s defeat.
Within a few hours, he got on a plane to Lahore, where his team, the Lahore Qalandars, were playing the final match of the PSL against the Quetta Gladiators.
Sikandar Raza arrived just ten minutes before the toss and rushed him to the stadium. They had two team lists ready: one with him playing and another with Shakib al Hasan in case he didn’t arrive on time.