LAHORE: The Panthers triumphed over the Lions with an 84-run victory in the fifth match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Monday.
Defending a total of 283, Shadab Khan’s Panthers bowled out the Lions for 199, securing their second win of the tournament. The spin duo of Shadab Khan and Usama Mir played a crucial role in dismantling the Lions’ chase, each taking three wickets.
The Lions’ innings began on a disastrous note, with Mohammad Hasnain dismissing Sajjad Ali for a duck in the very first over. Soon after, Abdullah Shafique was trapped lbw by Amad Butt for just 1, leaving the Lions struggling at 8-2.
Imam-ul-Haq fought hard with a well-crafted 60 off 62 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes. However, his dismissal by Shadab Khan left the Lions unable to build any significant partnerships. Omair Yousuf added a quick 20 before being run out by Hasnain, while Irfan Khan managed 35 off 50 balls before being stumped by Usama Mir.
Khushdil Shah contributed 22 runs off 32 balls but fell to Amad Butt, adding to the Lions’ troubles. Lower-order batsmen Aamer Yamin (10), Shaheen Shah Afridi (0), and Ahmed Daniyal (16) failed to offer much resistance. A late surge from Sirajuddin, who hit two sixes in his quickfire 19 off 13 balls, wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Earlier, after winning the toss, the Panthers had a rocky start, with their top order crumbling under pressure from the Lions’ bowlers. Azan Awais and Saim Ayub were dismissed cheaply, and by the 4th over, the Panthers were reeling at 31-3.
A match-changing 144-run partnership between Mubasir Khan and Haider Ali helped the Panthers recover. Mubasir impressed with a brilliant 90 off 97 balls, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes, while Haider Ali played a vital supporting role, scoring 84 off 99 balls, with 5 boundaries and 3 sixes.
This comprehensive performance allowed the Panthers to secure a commanding win, further boosting their position in the tournament.
