Saim Ayub’s Stellar Century Powers Panthers to Victory Over Stallions

A spectacular 156 from stand-in skipper Saim Ayub helped Panthers secure a thrilling 20-run victory over Stallions in Match 9 of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. The Panthers posted a formidable total of 344-7 in their 50 overs, and despite a late fightback by Zaman Khan, the Stallions were bowled out for 324 in 49.3 overs.

Saim Ayub, leading the Panthers in place of regular captain Shadab Khan, played a masterful innings, lacing his 156 with 13 fours and seven sixes. He was well-supported by opener Azan Awais, who contributed a steady 77-ball 51, and Usman Khan, who blasted a quickfire 75 off 47 deliveries, featuring eight fours and four sixes. Together, Saim and Usman shared a 116-run partnership for the second wicket, setting the foundation for a big score.

Zaman Khan emerged as the standout bowler for Stallions, taking 4-90, including the crucial wicket of Saim in the 46th over. However, despite Zaman’s efforts, the Panthers still managed to reach 344-7.

In response, the Stallions’ innings faltered early, losing their top three batsmen—Mohammad Haris (19), Shan Masood (8), and Babar Azam (5)—within the first 6.1 overs. A resilient 157-run fourth-wicket partnership between Tayyab Tahir (109) and Hussain Talat (63) revived the Stallions’ hopes. Tayyab’s century included eight fours and four sixes, while Hussain hit three boundaries and a six.

However, after Hussain’s dismissal by Mubasir Khan in the 35th over, the Stallions’ momentum was disrupted. Despite a late surge by Zaman Khan, who smashed 42 off just 16 balls (six sixes and one four), and a brisk 52-run ninth-wicket partnership with Abrar Ahmed (9 not out), the Stallions fell 20 runs short.

Mubasir Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the Panthers, taking 3-77, while Mohammad Hasnain (2-49) and Ali Raza (2-54) also contributed with crucial wickets.

Scores in brief:

• Panthers 344-7, 50 overs (Saim Ayub 156, Usman Khan 75, Azan Awais 51; Zaman Khan 4-90)
• Stallions 324 all out, 49.3 overs (Tayyab Tahir 109, Hussain Talat 63, Zaman Khan 42; Mubasir Khan 3-77, Mohammad Hasnain 2-49, Ali Raza 2-54)

Player of the match: Saim Ayub (Panthers)

Next fixture: Dolphins vs  Lions, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad at 3pm (local time) on 22 September 2024.