In a nail-biting encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lions’ pacer Shahid Aziz held his nerve to defend 16 runs in the final over, securing an eight-run win over Panthers in a crucial Champions T20 Cup clash on Thursday. The victory elevated Lions to second place on the table, edging ahead of Stallions on net run-rate with eight points, while Markhors continue to lead with 10 points.
Panthers Fall Short in the Chase
Chasing a target of 161, Panthers managed 152-6 in their 20 overs. Opener Umar Siddiq laid a solid foundation with a 28-ball 38, including one six and four boundaries. Danish Aziz fought valiantly with an unbeaten 38 off 27 balls, striking five boundaries. Lower-order contributions from Sajid Khan (17 off 8 balls) and Amad Butt (16 not out off 13 balls) provided late fireworks but were insufficient to take Panthers over the line.
For Lions, spinner Sharoon Siraj delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 3-19 in his four overs and breaking key partnerships.
Strong Start, Sudden Collapse for Lions
Earlier, sent in to bat, Lions got off to a flying start with an 85-run opening stand between Imam-ul-Haq and Hasan Nawaz. Imam led the charge with a sparkling 36-ball 57, laced with eight boundaries and a six, while Hasan’s aggressive 22-ball 41 featured three sixes and four fours.
However, once Hasan Nawaz was dismissed by spinner Sajid Khan, Lions’ innings unraveled, collapsing from 110-1 to 160 all out in 19.2 overs. Middle-order contributions were sparse, with Shahzaib Khan (16) and Khushdil Shah (13) being the only other batters to reach double figures.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir was the star with the ball for Panthers, claiming an impressive 4-23 in his four overs, while pacer Mohammad Wasim Jnr chipped in with 2-22.
Points Table and Player of the Match
The win gives Lions eight points from seven matches, pushing them to second place behind Markhors. Panthers, with six points, remain in fourth, ahead of the winless Dolphins.
Player of the Match honors went to Sharoon Siraj for his crucial spell, which played a pivotal role in Lions’ victory.
Scores in Brief
Lions 160 all out in 19.2 overs: Imam-ul-Haq 57 (36), Hasan Nawaz 41 (22), Shahzaib Khan 16 (12); Usama Mir 4-23, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-22.
Panthers 152-6 in 20 overs: Danish Aziz 38* (27), Umar Siddiq 38 (28); Sharoon Siraj 3-19.
Lions will look to build on this momentum as the race to the playoffs intensifies.
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