A blistering 89 by Fakhar Zaman and a three-wicket haul by Akif Javed propelled Markhors to a 29-run victory over Lions in the Qualifier at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. The win secures Markhors a spot in the Champions T20 Cup final against Stallions on Wednesday.
Fakhar’s Heroics Lead Recovery
Sent in to bat, Markhors were reeling at 3-23 after a fiery spell by Afaq Afridi (3-29), who dismissed two batters in the second over and added a third scalp shortly after. Fakhar Zaman anchored the recovery, smashing 89 off 64 balls, including five sixes and nine boundaries.
He received support from Abdul Samad, whose quick-fire 41 not out off 20 balls with two sixes and five fours added 82 runs for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Iftikhar Ahmed (14) and Mohammad Nawaz (10) chipped in during crucial partnerships. Markhors ended with a competitive 180-6.
For Lions, Shahab Khan complemented Afaq’s efforts with 2-36.
Lions Falter in Chase
Chasing 181, Lions lost their openers Imam-ul-Haq (1) and Omair Bin Yousuf (2) early, leaving them at 3-2. A 62-run stand between Hasan Nawaz (27) and Mohammad Taha (44 off 28, 4 sixes) revived hopes, but regular wickets derailed the innings.
Pacer Akif Javed (3-22) and Nisar Ahmed (2-19) ensured there was no late resistance, restricting Lions to 151-9. Musa Khan chipped in with a resilient 26 not out, but it wasn’t enough.
Tournament Standings
- Markhors advance to the final against Stallions.
- Lions finish third.
- Panthers and Dolphins placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Scores in Brief
Qualifier – Markhors beat Lions by 29 runs
Markhors 180-6, 20 overs: Fakhar Zaman 89, Abdul Samad 41*; Afaq Afridi 3-29, Shahab Khan 2-36
Lions 151-9, 20 overs: Mohammad Taha 44, Hasan Nawaz 27, Musa Khan 26*; Akif Javed 3-22, Nisar Ahmed 2-19
Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman
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