In a whirlwind day that summed up the demanding lifestyle of a modern-day professional cricketer, Sikandar Raza went from playing a Test match in England to hitting the winning runs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final for Lahore Qalandars, all within 24 hours. The 39-year-old all-rounder had just finished Zimbabwe’s one-off Test against England in Nottingham, where he bowled 25 overs and batted for 20 more. With no time to spare, Raza began his long journey to Pakistan immediately after the game, determined to honour his commitment to the Qalandars in the PSL final against Quetta Gladiators. “I am here to do a job, and God forbid, if we happened to lose the game then at least in my heart I knew I was with my brothers,” Raza said after the match. “I know the team truly wanted me here, given the efforts the owners and the captains went through over the last 24–36 hours to get me here. If I tell you, it’s unbelievable.” The veteran had to take an economy flight to Dubai, wait out a six-hour layover, then drive to Abu Dhabi before finally boarding a plane to Lahore. He was still en route to the Gaddafi Stadium when Qalandars skipper Shaheen Afridi confirmed his name in the playing XI at the toss. Also READ: Sarfaraz Khan’s Omission: Reasons Behind Test Snub “Dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, dinner in Pakistan” The final chapter of Raza’s chaotic schedule unfolded in the most dramatic fashion. With Lahore needing 202 to win and in a difficult position, Raza walked in and smashed 22 off just seven balls, including two fours and two sixes, to seal the chase with just one ball remaining. “Bowled 25 overs [in the Test] the day before yesterday, batted for 20 overs yesterday. Had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, drove to Abu Dhabi for lunch, took a flight and had dinner in Pakistan. I guess this is the life of a professional cricketer and I’m truly humbled and blessed to have that life,” he said. Not only did Raza close the match with the bat, he also made a significant contribution with the ball, dismissing Rilee Rossouw in the first innings. Also READ: Ajit Agarkar on Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement Decision Reflecting on the mental state during the high-pressure moment, Raza said, “I tried to take the emotions out. I think all the journey and the Test match helped me because I was so mentally and physically drained. All I was saying to myself was just watch the ball. I was blank out there. I wasn’t predicting or thinking where the ball’s going to be and what I’m going to do. All I said was wherever the ball is, hit the best shot.” The story behind Sikandar Raza rejoining Lahore Qalandars - massive contribution to the Finals of HBL PSL X.#HBLPSLX #SikandarRaza #PSLX #ZalmiTV #LQvQG #LQ pic.twitter.com/lbwEzKjqGA — Zalmi TV (@zalmitvlive) May 25, 2025