Irfan Khan’s Blazing Century Lifts Lions to First Victory in Champions One-Day Cup

Muhammad Irfan Khan’s explosive 56-ball unbeaten century propelled Lions to a much-needed 35-run victory over Markhors in Match 8 of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. Chasing a daunting target of 368, the Markhors fell short at 332-9 in their 50 overs, handing them their first defeat of the tournament, while the Lions kept their playoff hopes alive.

Irfan Khan was the star of the night, smashing 10 sixes and five fours in his whirlwind century. He was ably supported by Khushdil Shah, with whom he shared a crucial 147-run fifth-wicket stand. The Lions scored a remarkable 124 runs in the last 10 overs, largely due to the combined efforts of Irfan and Khushdil, who scored a quickfire 73 off 45 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes.

Earlier, the Lions got off to a solid start, with openers Abdullah Shafique (52) and Imam-ul-Haq (51) putting on a 110-run partnership. Despite losing a few quick wickets, Irfan’s fireworks powered the Lions to 367-6 in their 50 overs.

For the Markhors, Zahid Mehmood was the pick of the bowlers with 2-49, while Mohammad Imran Jr, Muhammad Imran, and Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket each.

In response, UMT Markhors fought hard, with Fakhar Zaman top-scoring with 82 off 86 balls, featuring eight fours and four sixes. Salman Ali Agha added a blistering 69 off 39 balls, and Abdul Samad contributed 42, but despite these efforts, the Lions’ bowlers kept striking at key moments to keep the Markhors at bay.

Aamer Yamin, Ahmed Daniyal, Khushdil Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets each for the Lions, helping restrict the Markhors to 332-9.

Scores in brief:

• Lions 367-6, 50 overs (Muhammad Irfan Khan 100*, Khushdil Shah 73, Abdullah Shafique 52, Imam-ul-Haq 51; Zahid Mehmood 2-49)
• Markhors 332-9, 50 overs (Fakhar Zaman 82, Salman Ali Agha 69, Abdul Samad 42; Aamer Yamin 2-54, Ahmed Daniyal 2-66, Khushdil Shah 2-67, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-86)

Player of the match: Muhammad Irfan Khan (Nurpur Lions)

Next fixture: Panthers vs Stallions, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad at 3pm (local time) on 21 September 2024.