Lions’ fast bowler Afaq Afridi delivered a historic performance, claiming 5-18, including a hat-trick, to dismantle Dolphins for 71 and secure a commanding seven-wicket victory at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Afaq’s debut heroics set a new benchmark for the best bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler on T20 debut, surpassing Zeeshan Khan’s 5-19 in 2005.
The win lifted Lions to the top of the Champions T20 Cup standings, with 10 points and a superior net run-rate of 1.07.
Match 18: Afaq’s Hat-Trick Shines as Lions Cruise
Afaq Afridi thrilled the crowd with a sensational 10th over, removing Faheem Ashraf (3), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (0), and Shayan Sheikh (0) in successive deliveries, leaving Dolphins reeling at 38-8. Fellow pacer Musa Khan also starred, taking 4-14 as the Dolphins were bowled out for a mere 71 in 16 overs.
For Dolphins, opener Waqar Ahmed (16) was the top scorer, while a last-wicket stand of 27 between Awais Ali (15*) and Mohammad Rameez Jnr (11) provided a semblance of resistance.
In reply, Lions faced an early scare as they lost Hasan Nawaz and Sharoon Siraj without scoring. However, a steady partnership between Omair Bin Yousuf (34 off 30) and Mohammad Taha (28* off 19) ensured the chase was completed in just nine overs.
Match 17: Stallions Overcome Markhors to Reclaim Second Spot
In the morning game, Stallions put on a clinical display, defeating Markhors by 29 runs to secure second place.
Sent in to bat, Stallions managed 147-9, with veteran Shoaib Malik anchoring the innings with 27 off 28 balls. Contributions from Maaz Sadaqat (20), Taimur Khan (20), and Mohammad Haris (19) helped the team post a competitive total. For Markhors, Akif Javed (2-16), Zahid Mehmood (2-23), and Bilawal Bhatti (2-24) were the standout bowlers.
Markhors’ chase never gained momentum as Mohammad Ali (4-13) and Jahandad Khan (3-9) wreaked havoc. Markhors were reduced to 36-6, and despite a fighting 38 by Saad Masood, they were bowled out for 118 in 18.3 overs.
Tournament Standings After Day 8
- Lions: 10 points (NRR 1.07)
- Stallions: 10 points (NRR 0.89)
- Markhors: 10 points (NRR 0.62)
- City Panthers: 6 points
- Dolphins: 0 points
Scores in Brief
Match 17 – Stallions beat Markhors by 29 runs
Stallions 147-9, 20 overs: Shoaib Malik 27, Maaz Sadaqat 20, Taimur Khan 20; Akif Javed 2-16, Zahid Mehmood 2-23
Markhors 118 all out, 18.3 overs: Saad Masood 38, Nisar Ahmed 22; Mohammad Ali 4-13, Jahandad Khan 3-9
Player of the Match: Jahandad Khan
Match 18 – Lions beat Dolphins by seven wickets
Dolphins 71 all out, 16 overs: Waqar Ahmed 16, Awais Ali 15*; Afaq Afridi 5-18, Musa Khan 4-14
Lions 72-3, 9 overs: Omair Bin Yousuf 34, Mohammad Taha 28*; Faheem Ashraf 2-20
Player of the Match: Afaq Afridi
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