Opening batter Khawaja Mohammad Nafay’s scintillating half-century led the Markhors to a dramatic two-wicket victory over the spirited Dolphins on the fourth day of the Champions T20 Cup. Nafay’s explosive 41-ball 68, peppered with four sixes and four boundaries, anchored the chase as Markhors secured their second consecutive win in Rawalpindi.
Set a modest target of 129, Markhors overcame early setbacks, including the dismissals of Fakhar Zaman (0), Muhammad Shahzad (11 off 9 balls), and Abdul Samad (1 off 3 balls), to finish the match in 18.5 overs. The 22-year-old Karachi-born batter added a crucial 29-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Iftikhar Ahmed (5) before falling to an in-form Qasim Akram, who was instrumental in Dolphins’ late fightback with figures of 2-11.
Despite losing two quick wickets post-Nafay’s dismissal, Mohammad Nawaz (19 not out off 19 balls, 2x4s) played a calm and collected innings, guiding his team to victory alongside Akif Javed, who sealed the match with a boundary.
Dolphins, now winless in two matches, were initially buoyed by Sameen Gul’s fiery opening spell, which claimed three top-order wickets for 23 runs. However, their inability to maintain pressure and contain Nafay proved costly.
Earlier in the day, Dolphins faltered after being sent in to bat, managing 128-9 in their allotted 20 overs. Muhammad Akhlaq’s 33-ball 40, featuring two sixes and three fours, provided a solid platform, complemented by Mirza Tahir Baig’s 28-ball 29. However, the team collapsed from a promising 81-2 to a disappointing total, with Mohammad Nawaz (3-28) and Akif Javed (2-33) leading the charge for Markhors.
The victory elevates the Misbah-ul-Haq-mentored Markhors to second place on the points table with four points, trailing the Stallions only on net run rate. Meanwhile, the struggling Dolphins find themselves at the bottom of the standings.
Scores in Brief
Dolphins 128-9 in 20 overs (Muhammad Akhlaq 40, Mirza Tahir Baig 29; Mohammad Nawaz 3-28, Akif Javed 2-33)
Markhors 132-8 in 18.5 overs (Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 68, Mohammad Nawaz 18 not out; Sameen Gul 3-23, Qasim Akram 2-11)
Player of the Match: Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (Markhors)
Tomorrow’s Fixture: Lions vs Panthers, 12 PM at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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