The Dolphins ended their Champions One-Day Cup group stage on a high note, defeating Lions by 16 runs in a closely contested match at the Iqbal Stadium. Despite the loss, the Lions successfully qualified for the playoff stage and will face Stallions in the eliminator on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Qualifier will feature a showdown between Markhors and Panthers.
After electing to bat first, the Dolphins’ innings was spearheaded by their top-order batsmen. Mohammad Huraira (47 off 41 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and Muhammad Akhlaq (52 off 50 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) laid a solid foundation with a 77-run second-wicket partnership.
Though Dolphins suffered a few setbacks, losing three wickets by the 19th over at 126-3, Umar Amin stepped up with a composed 75 off 81 balls, anchoring the innings with vital partnerships. He was well-supported by Saud Shakeel (23) and Qasim Akram (31) in the middle overs, while Faheem Ashraf’s blistering 30 off 20 balls, which included three sixes, powered Dolphins to a competitive total of 326 in 49.3 overs.
For Lions, Aamir Jamal was the standout bowler with 3-69, while Ahmed Daniyal and Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with two wickets each.
In pursuit of the 327-run target, the Lions were off to a strong start, thanks to a 78-run opening partnership between Rohail Nazir (62 off 70 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) and Abdullah Shafique (27 off 42 balls). However, the Dolphins made key breakthroughs, reducing the Lions to 172-4 by the 29th over.
Though contributions from Omair Bin Yousuf (26), Sharoon Siraj (25), and Mohammad Taha (40) kept Lions in the hunt, they were left reeling at 213-6 in 38 overs. Enter Khushdil Shah, who smashed 60 off just 40 balls, hammering four fours and five sixes in a counter-attacking display that brought Lions close.
Shaheen Shah Afridi also played a valiant hand with five sixes in his unbeaten 33 off 28 balls, but the Lions ultimately fell short, finishing at 310-8 in their 50 overs.
For Dolphins, Saud Shakeel (2-24) and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (2-78) took key wickets that helped turn the tide in their favor.
Scores in Brief:
Dolphins beat Lions by 16 runs
Dolphins 326 all out (49.3 overs):
Umar Amin 75, Muhammad Akhlaq 52, Mohammad Huraira 47, Qasim Akram 31, Faheem Ashraf 30;
Aamir Jamal 3-69, Ahmed Daniyal 2-58, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-58
Lions 310-8 (50 overs):
Rohail Nazir 62, Khushdil Shah 60, Shaheen Shah Afridi 33*, Abdullah Shafique 27, Omair Bin Yousuf 26, Sharoon Siraj 25;
Saud Shakeel 2-24, Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-78
Player of the Match: Umar Amin ( Dolphins)
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Qualifier (24 September): Markhors vs Panthers, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (3:00 PM local time)
- Eliminator 1 (25 September): Stallions vs Lions, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (3:00 PM local time)
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