Lahore Qalandars (200/6) beat Multan Sultans (199/8) by 1 run in the PSL 8 final

[Justcrazy]

Four of final ball required

[hitthestump]

Four of final ball required

Zaman gave him 2 practice swings then allowed him to get back on strike for no reason.

Idiot bowler

[Energy]

LAHORE. I love you!

[Justcrazy]

Lahore win by one run !

[Rana]

Qalandarssss!!!!!!!!!!

[Stronguess]

what a match uffffffff

[Ahmed216]

Great great entertainment. Well done zaman at the end

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Congratulations Eagle, you deserved it. What a game, best game of the season and it has to be final. Totally loved it.

[Justcrazy]

Stunning game , both teams played brilliant game , epic finish , though Multan would be disappointed, almost there

[Suleiman]

Greatest PSL so far. Amazing. Shaheen MOTM Easy

[topspin]

Brilliant over by Zaman Khan. So happy to see my team LQ win it!

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Greatest PSL so far. Amazing. Shaheen MOTM Easy

Absolutely, best season so far.

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

What a game. What a final. What a league.

There are more richer and higher profile leagues, but there’s only one PSL.

(Gutted for Abbas though, that lad deserved much better)

[Kroll]

Best ever PSL, finally it came alive.

[topspin]

Greatest PSL so far. Amazing. Shaheen MOTM Easy

100%

Easily the best PSL and Shaheen deserves MOTM.

[PakEngFan]

What a game.

[Speedster1]

What a final, my two fav teams in final too great entertainment. PSL for the win

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

100%

Easily the best PSL and Shaheen deserves MOTM.

The pair on that boy. The absolute pair. After getting slapped around for 30 + runs in two overs, came back like a lion to get both David and Pollard.

What a player!

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

What a final, my two fav teams in final too great entertainment. PSL for the win

Yeah, and they were the best team, so ultimately it’s fair.

[Cric1234]

Rauf almost lost the match for Lahore managed to squeeze over the line great finish.

[Stronguess]

zaman khan ice in his veins !!!

[topspin]

The pair on that boy. The absolute pair. After getting slapped around for 30 + runs in two overs, came back like a lion to get both David and Pollard.

What a player!

Absolute lion.

The only player in Pakistan who is ATG material in every format.

[Cric1234]

Rizwans 12 of his last 12 balls proved crucial in the end.

[Fenrir]

Had MS restricted LQ to below 190 it could have won it.

[Asif321]

Excellent match winning over by Zaman . Rauf getting hit by abbas was pathetic

[Concerned]

Zaman proving he’s as brainless as anyone out there

Just won them the game.

[PakPremi]

Well done Lahore, played with courage.

[Ahmed216]

Pollard was cocky after last victory and took a dig at shaheen and co. by stating they disintegrate when you hit them a bit. Take that Pollard our Shaheen is an international star you are league player

[PakEngFan]

Pollard was cocky after last victory and took a dig at shaheen and co. by stating they disintegrate when you hit them a bit. Take that Pollard our Shaheen is an international star you are league player

Failed cricketer like pollard should shut up. His pathetic forward defence to nothing delivery proved to be costly.

[PakPremi]

Should have been in squad v Afghans for sure

Yes, he should had.

[Darkrai]

🤡 win again.

Great PSL this year, finally saw young players perform.

[sindhiboy]

what a brilliant game.

Haris Rauf almost won it for Multan.

[Firebat]

Anyone ready to relive that final over again?

[Cric1234]

Tell u what the Aus game also ended in loss,sowhat you saying?
Anyway your constant Rizwan and Babar bashing every second comment is getting really boring, so think of something else to write about.

What I’m saying is Fakhar played at the right strike rate whilst the openers did not don’t let facts get in the way of making a few players look good regardless of what they do.

[MenInG]

Last over highlights

[MenInG]

Fast bowler Ihsanullah of Multan Sultans, who was picked in the Emerging Category, has been named as the Player of HBL PSL 8 by an independent panel that was headed by Mr Haroon Rashid (Chair of HBL PSL 8 Technical Committee) with respected commentators Bazid Khan, Daren Ganga, Nick Knight and Sana Mir as members.

Ihsanullah is the first player from the Emerging Category to beat the more experienced and established stars in the cut-throat competition for the prestigious award. The previous seven winners of this award are: Ravi Bopara (2016, Karachi Kings), Kamran Akmal (2017, Peshawar Zalmi), Luke Ronchi (2018, Islamabad United), Shane Watson (2019, Quetta Gladiators), Babar Azam (2020, Karachi Kings), Sohaib Maqsood (2021, Multan Sultans) and Mohammad Rizwan (2022, Multan Sultans).

Ihsanullah had figures of two for 37, five for 12, three for 24, two for 19, none for 17, two for 22, two for 33, two for 35, none for 35, two for 58, one for 18 and one for 37 in 12 matches. He finished the series with 22 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.59.

By virtue of these consistent performances that also earned him his maiden call-up to the Pakistan side for the Afghanistan T20Is, the lanky fast bowler was also declared the Bowler of the HBL PSL 8. Previous winners of this award are: Andre Russell (2016), Sohail Khan (2017), Faheem Ashraf (2018), Hasan Ali (2019), Shaheen Shah Afridi (2020), Shahnawaz Dahani (2021) and Shadab Khan (2022).

Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan was adjudged as the Batter of HBL PSL 8 after he won the Hanif Mohammad Cap for the highest-scorer of the tournament. Rizwan finished the competition with 550 runs at a strike-rate of 142.85 with a century and four half-centuries. Previous winners of this award are: Umar Akmal (2016), Kamran Akmal (2017 & 2018), Shane Watson (2019), Babar Azam (2020), Sohaib Maqsood (2021) and Fakhar Zaman (2022).

Rizwan also scooped the Wicketkeeper of HBL PSL 8. He accounted for 14 batters (13 catches and one stump).

There was more good news for Multan Sultans when 21-year-old Abbas Afridi won the Emerging Player of the HBL PSL 8 and Kieron Pollard collected the Best Fielder of HBL PSL 8 award.

Abbas finished as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an economy-rate of 9.45 with two four-fers and a hat-trick. This category was introduced in 2019 and the previous four winners are Umer Khan (2019) Haider Ali (2020), Shahnawaz Dahani (2021) and Zaman Khan (2022).

Alex Wharf was named as the Umpire of HBL PSL 8, while Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim was named as the All-Rounder of HBL PSL 8.

The gutsy left-hander scored 404 runs at a strike-rate of over 170 and also claimed nine wickets at an economy-rate of 7.93. Imad had spearheaded Kings’ campaign but received little support from his team-mates, which resulted in the 2020 champions’ failure to qualify for the playoffs. Nonetheless, his impressive performance helped him reclaim his place in the national side for the three-T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah.

Complete list of award winners:

HBL PSL 8 Player of the Tournament – Ihsanullah (Multan Sultans) (22 wickets, economy-rate 7.59)

Batter of HBL PSL 8 –Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) (550 runs, 142.5 strike-rate)

Bowler of HBL PSL 8 – Ihsanullah (Multan Sultans) (22 wickets, economy-rate 7.59)

Fielder of HBL PSL 8 – Kieron Pollard (Multan Sultans) (11 catches)

Wicketkeeper of HBL PSL 8 – Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) (14 dismissals)

Emerging player of HBL PSL 8 – Abbas Afridi (Multan Sultans) (23 wickets, economy-rate 9.45)

All-rounder of HBL PSL 8 – Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings) (404 runs and nine wickets)

Spirit of Cricket – Peshawar Zalmi

Umpire of HBL PSL 8 – Alex Wharf

[Saj]

Lahore Qalandars became the first team to defend HBL Pakistan Super League title as they defeated Multan Sultans by only one run in a thrilling HBL PSL 8 final at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. The victory was engineered by their captain Shaheen Afridi’s blasting 15-ball 44 not out and an incredible spell of death bowling that saw him return overall figures of four for 51.

Multan Sultans needed 13 runs in the final over, bowled by Lahore Qalandars’ last over specialist Zaman Khan. The equation had come down to four off the last ball, and Multan Sultans could get only two of a Khushdil Shah mishit before he was run out at the non-striker’s end.

The match had swung like a pendulum in the last five overs as Multan Sultans needed 60 with seven wickets in hand. Shaheen removed Kieron Pollard with a cutter after being whipped for a four in the 16th over that cost 11.

Haris Rauf allowed only eight in the next over. Shaheen returned to deliver one of the best overs in death as he picked up three wickets and gave away only six runs to further complicate the matters for Multan Sultans. Shaheen’s first two overs, bowled in the Powerplay, had leaked 34 runs, but the left-arm pacer made his experience count at death and took four wickets for 17 runs in his final two overs.

Khushdil Shah and Abbas Afridi, however, punched their way back in the match in the penultimate over by spanking Haris for 22. The over began with Khushdil dispatching the fast bowler for a six over his head and two balls later Abbas smoked him for a maximum over deep midwicket and followed it up with back-to-back fours.

Multan Sultans were set 201 to win their second HBL PSL title and they were provided a rock solid start by the top-order. Usman Khan (18 off 12) and Mohammad Rizwan (34 off 23) raced to 41 before the former was bowled by David Wiese at 3.3 overs mark.

Shaheen came under attack from the onset of the run chase as he was hit for seven fours in his first two overs – the first and third of the innings.

Rilee Rossouw produced an entertaining half-century, spanking seven fours and two sixes in his 32-ball 52, but what stood out in his innings was how he ensured that the run rate never died down with Rizwan playing a supporting role. The pair added 64 runs for the second wicket, before Rashid Khan took two wickets in two overs to unravel the run chase.

Rossouw was bowled in the 11th over and Rizwan was caught by Wiese in the 13th that brought two new batters in Pollard (19 off 16) and Tim David (20 off 16) on strike.

Lahore Qalandars made 200 for six after electing to bat thanks to sparkling half-century by Abdullah Shafique and a late blitz from their captain Shaheen Afridi. Lahore Qalandars were off to a solid start with Mirza Tahir Baig unleashing exquisite shots around the dial. The right-handed opener dispatched Sheldon Cottrell, the star of the Qualifier, for a four and a six in the first over and then stole three fours in the third over.

But, the timely introduction of Ihsanullah by Mohammad Rizwan cut short Tahir’s stay at the crease as he was undone by a rapid bouncer on the last ball of the fifth over.

Abdullah, who made 40-ball 65 and hit eight fours and two sixes, added 57 runs for the second wicket with Fakhar Zaman. The left-hander scored 39 off 34 with four fours and a six, before he fell to Usama Mir in the leg-spinner’s first over and the 12th of the innings.

Usama’s next over sent shockwaves in Lahore Qalandars camp as the leg-spinner accounted for Sam Billings (nine off eight) and Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti (0 off one) in consecutive balls and their troubles amplified at the start of the next over when Khushdil Shah bowled Sikandar Raza (one off two) as Lahore Qalandars lost three wickets for one run.

What followed next was an excellent recovery from Shaheen and Abdullah as the pair added 66 runs off just 27 balls. Shaheen smashed five sixes and two fours and the first of those maximums came in the 16th over when he smashed Usama down the ground. Abdullah followed it up with a four as the two gathered 14 runs from it.

But, it was the next over, which turned out to be the most expensive of the innings, that proved to be innings defining. Shaheen smoked Ihsanullah for a two sixes and a four that added 24 to the total.

Abdullah then spanked four fours and a six in six balls spanned across the end of the 18th and start of the 19th overs before he was caught at deep third man. The second four bringing up his half-century.

Shaheen made sure to make the most of the over and spanked Anwar down the ground as the penultimate over brought 22 runs for Lahore Qalandars. It had begun with Abdullah smashing Anwar over his head for a six.

The final over also brought bucket load of runs as Shaheen smoked Abbas Afridi for a four and a six.

Scores in brief:

Lahore Qalandars 200-6, 20 overs (Abdullah Shafique 65, Shaheen Afridi 44 not out, Fakhar Zaman 39, Mirza Tahir Baig 30; Usama Mir 3-24)

Multan Sultans 199-8, 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw 52, Mohammad Rizwan 34, Khushdil Shah 25, Tim David 20; Shaheen Afridi 4-51, Rashid Khan 2-26)

Player of the match – Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars)

[MenInG]

Mohammad Rizwan | Multan skipper: There is always a pressure in finals. 200 is a big target but we had the batting to chase it down. We were on track but just couldn't finish the game. Credit goes to the entire team for getting us this far. Bowlers did their job when needed and the batters also performed to perfection. Lot of the special performers of the season were in my team. Only if we had got the title. But Shaheen and his boys played really well, and they deserve the title. It's an achievement to reach the finals and we've done it thrice in a row now. It's a great feeling.

Ihsanullah | Player of the Tournament: I am thankful to God for giving me this success. I have gained a lot of experience from playing in the PSL. Foreign players and senior players have taught me a lot. Rizwan has guided me a lot. I'd like to dedicate this to my father who supported me a lot.

Najam Sethi | PCB President: It's great to see the PSL 2023 season be a great success. It's a collective effort and I'd like to thank everyone involved. Including the police and security staff who ensured top security. Also would like to thank everyone else involved. Would love to thank the overseas players for coming over, even during hard times. Many people in the federal government who helped us to conduct the tournament smoothly. There are lot more names to talk that I don't know whom not to name. After a long time, we've seen such a great season in the PSL. We had to overcome so many obstacles but we managed to do so. Would like to thank each and everyone of you, without your support this wouldn't have been possible. Would like to thank all the franchises for their efforts in making this tournament a grand success.

Sam Billings: That's what T20 cricket is about. Good pitch, what a game of cricket, what an advert for the game and great to be a part of. My first experience of cricket in Pakistan, certainly didn't disappoint. The noise today was something I haven't experienced in a long time. With any final, the game always tips the balance. The wicket of Rossouw was a huge moment and Pollard's catch as well. The game then twisted again, bit of a roller coaster, but you got to stay calm. Hope so (when asked if he'll play the next season). It's been amazing to be a part of this special group. Hopefully I'll be back to witness this crowd again.

Abdullah Shafique: We have defended the title, all credit to the team management, captain and the players. There was pressure to defend the title. The way our captain led from the front and backed us, it was awesome. Lucky to be part for this Lahore team. Very good (when asked about Shaheen's captaincy)

Zaman Khan: I was feeling the pressure, but my captain backed me. Shaheen told me not to worry even if we lost the game. I enjoyed bowling the final over and we won the match. Shaheen asked to me to bowl yorkers, but I knew that the batters will be expecting them and I slipped in a few slower balls. The management gave us a lot of confidence. They gave us a free hand and asked us to give our 100% on the field.

Shaheen Afridi: Second final, second win, credit to the entire team. It was a team effort. It went to the last ball but we didn't give up. We had the belief that we'd win the final. I couldn't pick early wickets but I was able to pick 3 crucial wickets and put my team on top.
Sikandar Raza: That's the way you play the sport. To be able to make history is unbelievable. We thought the wicket wasn't a 200 wicket. The way Shaheen and Abdullah batted in the end was brilliant ... to get us to 200. We knew one or twowickets, with the quality of Rashid, it's pressure on the opposition and runs on the board in the final plays a huge part. Eight different guys have won PoTM so it tells about the quality of the squad. All of us contributed. I remember us facing criticism because we were changing batting and bowling order but it's for this day that we were preparing. I'd love to come back here for the next season. The love and respect has been amazing.

David Wiese: I'm exhausted. Fortunately I wasn't the one bowling the last over. So many emotions going through in those last two overs, momentum switching both ways. In the end, we just did enough. We were saying the whole time the team that stays calm is going to win this game. When things didn't go our way, we just had to hang in there. I reminded the guys that we're never out of the game. I'm still learning, still enjoying the game. I am fit and contributing. As long as they have me, I'll be coming back.

[Savak]

Russow should be banned from the future PSL seasons if the reports are true that he accused the Lahore Qalandars team for ball tampering with the umpires.

[MenInG]

Highlights of the Final

[Champ_Pal]

Congrats to Lahore. It took a fluke innings from Shaheen the batsman to win the match.

MS may not have the star power, but they matched LQ in all departments.

[Aman]

Awesome Final.

Shaeen really coming in clutch. Maybe time for him to become T20 captain?

[Aman]

Congrats to Lahore. It took a fluke innings from Shaheen the batsman to win the match.

MS may not have the star power, but they matched LQ in all departments.

Has he been practicing and become a decent bowling A/R?

[Aman]

Highlights of the Final

Love that all the major sporting leagues in the world are giving highlights so people can catch up.

[NeVerMind]

What about HappyHeart? Cometh the hour, cometh the ❤️

I nearly called it! So near yet so far for HappyHeart....

[topspin]

Great turnaround from LQ after getting mauled by MS earlier this week.

[shamaan]

Rizwans 12 of his last 12 balls proved crucial in the end.

What about Tim David or Pollard ?

[shamaan]

Wow what a game of cricket both sides had thier chances to win the game.Shaheen changed the game with ball and bat.Good to see new youngsters who have shown promise.

PSL at its absolute best.

[Saj]

Best PSL final and tournament?