RAWALPINDI: Imam-ul-Haq’s anchoring half-century followed by Sharoon Siraj’s three wickets led the Lions to an eight-run victory over the Panthers in the 16th match of the T20 Champions Cup here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday- fair.
Beaten first, the Lions accumulated 160 runs before being bowled out in the second delivery of the final.
The Lions started well, thanks to a brilliant partnership between openers Imam and Hasan Nawaz.
The opening pair put together 85 runs in eight overs until Hasan fell victim to Test spinner Sajid Khan.
The right-handed opener scored 41 off 22 quick deliveries with the help of four fours and three sixes.
Imam was then involved in a brief partnership with wicketkeeper batsman Rohail Nazir before dying in the 13th over with 120 runs on the board.
The captain continued to be the Lions’ top scorer with a 36-ball 57, laced with eight fours and a six.
His dismissal sparked a grueling collapse, which saw the Lions lose their remaining seven wickets in just 40 deliveries.
Usama Mir was the pick of the Panthers’ bowlers, taking four wickets for just 23 runs in his four overs, while Mohammad Wasim Jr took two.
In response, the Panthers could rack up 152/6 in the allotted 20 overs despite Danish Aziz’s unbeaten 38.
The Dane continued to be the Panthers’ leading scorer with leadoff hitter Umar Siddiq, while the rest of the Panthers’ hitters made meager contributions.
Sharoon Siraj was the Lions’ standout bowler, returning economical bowling figures of 3/19 in his three overs, while Musa Khan, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Taha took a scalp each.
The eight-run victory lifted the Lions to second place in the T20 Champions Cup standings, with four points from seven matches, while the Panthers remained in fourth place, with six points from as many matches.
