Stallions cruised to a commanding 133-run victory over the Nurpur Lions in the second match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. Chasing a daunting target of 337, the Lions faltered in their pursuit and were bowled out for 203 in 39.3 overs, handing the Stallions their first win of the tournament.
After opting to bat first, the Stallions posted an imposing total of 336-5, courtesy of half-centuries from Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, and Hussain Talat. In response, the Lions struggled to build any momentum and found themselves reeling at 22-3 within six overs, with Mohammad Ali and Jahandad Khan making early inroads. Despite a fighting 78 from Imam-ul-Haq, the Lions fell short by 133 runs, with Haris Rauf leading the Stallions’ bowling attack with figures of 3-43.
The Stallions laid the foundation for their big total with a steady start from Yasir Khan (13) and Shan Masood (41), who put on 53 runs for the opening stand. Though the pair fell within the first 15 overs, Babar Azam and Tayyab Tahir ensured there were no further hiccups, as they put together a 114-run partnership for the third wicket.
Babar played a sublime knock of 76 off 79 balls, striking nine boundaries before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 35th over. Tayyab Tahir was equally impressive with a fluent 74 from 72 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, before falling in the 39th over.
Mohammad Haris and Hussain Talat accelerated the innings during the final overs, taking the Stallions past the 300-run mark. Haris, batting at No.5, hammered four boundaries and four sixes in a quickfire 55 off just 36 balls. Hussain Talat played a pivotal supporting role with an unbeaten 50 from 33 deliveries, laced with six fours and one six. Together, they added 88 runs for the fifth wicket off just 53 balls. Jahandad Khan also chipped in with a useful 20 off 11 balls, helping the Stallions amass 118 runs in the last 10 overs.
For the Lions, Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-63) and Aamir Jamal (2-60) were the standout bowlers, while Faisal Akram (1-40) picked up the wicket of Shan Masood.
In reply, the Lions were quickly on the back foot as Mohammad Ali (2-18) and Jahandad Khan (2-33) reduced them to 22-3 within the first six overs. Sharoon Siraj (28 off 38 balls) and Khushdil Shah (19 off 29) tried to offer resistance, but both were removed by Hussain Talat and Haris Rauf, respectively, leaving the Lions in trouble at 107-5 by the 24th over.
Imam-ul-Haq battled valiantly, reaching a well-compiled half-century, but his knock of 78 from 83 balls, which included six fours and a six, was not enough to rescue the Lions. He fell to Jahandad Khan in the 34th over, and with his dismissal, the Lions’ hopes of a comeback faded.
Aamer Yamin (22 off 21) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (22 off 21) played quick cameos, but the lower order could not cope with the pressure. The Lions lost their last five wickets for just 96 runs, with Haris Rauf cleaning up the tail to finish with 3-43 in 7.3 overs, sealing the comprehensive win for the Stallions.
Player of the Match:
Babar Azam’s classy knock of 76 and his crucial partnership with Tayyab Tahir laid the foundation for the Stallions’ victory, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Scores in Brief:
- Stallions: 336-5 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 76, Tayyab Tahir 74, Mohammad Haris 55, Hussain Talat 50*, Shan Masood 41; Aamir Jamal 2-60, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-63, Faisal Akram 1-40)
- Lions: 203 all out in 39.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 78, Sharoon Siraj 28, Aamer Yamin 22, Shaheen Shah Afridi 22; Haris Rauf 3-43, Mohammad Ali 2-18, Jahandad Khan 2-33)
Result: Stallions won by 133 runs.
Next Match: Dolphins vs Panthers, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad at 3pm (local time).
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