A scintillating unbeaten 78 from opener Umar Siddiq and a stellar bowling performance by Amad Butt propelled the Lake City Panthers to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Engro Dolphins in Match 3 of the Champions T20 Cup at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Panthers opened their account in the tournament with an emphatic display of skill and dominance.
Siddiq’s aggressive 53-ball knock, punctuated by eight boundaries and four massive sixes, provided the foundation for the chase of a 161-run target. Starting with a bang, Siddiq powered Panthers to 33 runs in just three overs, setting the tone for the innings. Although Sharjeel Khan fell for 14, Siddiq found a solid ally in stand-in skipper Haider Ali. Together, they stitched a blistering 101-run partnership for the second wicket.
Haider, deputizing for the unfit Shadab Khan, was at his attacking best, smashing a 28-ball 46 laced with five boundaries and two sixes. The duo took the game away from the Dolphins, leaving just 23 runs to get when Haider departed. Mubasir Khan (16 not out) finished the match in style, lofting the winning six as Panthers crossed the target in just 16 overs.
Dolphins’ Struggles Continue
Earlier, the Dolphins struggled to capitalize on starts by their batters, finishing on 160-8 in their 20 overs. Young Mohammad Huraira top-scored with a 32-ball 37, including four boundaries and a six, but failed to convert it into a bigger score. Mohammad Suleman’s 27-ball 34 and quick-fire cameos from Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (27 off 16) and Shayan Sheikh (20 off 12) boosted the total, with 55 runs coming in the final five overs.
Panthers’ bowlers, led by all-rounder Amad Butt, kept the Dolphins in check. Butt’s disciplined bowling earned him figures of 3-19, while Mohammad Ibtisam provided vital support with 2-30. The combined effort restricted the Dolphins to a par score, setting the stage for Siddiq’s heroics.
Score Summary
Dolphins: 160-8 in 20 overs
- Mohammad Huraira 37 (32b, 4x4s, 1×6)
- Mohammad Suleman 34 (27b, 2x6s, 1×4)
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori 27 (16b, 3x4s, 1×6)
- Shayan Sheikh 20 (12b, 4x4s)
- Amad Butt 3-19, Mohammad Ibtisam 2-30
Panthers: 161-2 in 16 overs
- Umar Siddiq 78* (53b, 8x4s, 4x6s)
- Haider Ali 46 (28b, 5x4s, 2x6s)
- Mubasir Khan 16* (6b, 1×6)
Player of the Match: Umar Siddiq (Panthers)
What’s Next?
The Champions T20 Cup action continues tomorrow as Stallions face Lions at 12 PM in Rawalpindi.
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