Hussain Talat’s brilliant knock combined with Shoaib Malik’s all-round performance propelled the Stallions to a 12-run victory over the Lions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
After being asked to bat first, the Haris-led Stallions posted a total of 162/5 in their 20 overs.
Opening batsman Shamyl Hussain was dismissed cheaply for just four runs off three deliveries in the very first over.
The Stallions’ problems continued after Yasir Khan was run out, leaving the team struggling at 21/2 after just 2.1 overs.
However, a vital 41-run partnership between Maaz Sadaqat and captain Mohammad Haris steadied the innings.
Sadaqat contributed 32 runs off 29 balls, which included five boundaries, before being dismissed by Faisal Akram.
Haris, who also scored 25 runs off 18 balls, including two fours and a six, was dismissed in the ninth by Musa Khan.
Hussain Talat and Shoaib Malik then teamed up, rescuing the Stallions with an 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Talat played an exceptional knock, remaining unbeaten on 51 off 36 balls, including five boundaries.
Malik was dismissed for 39 runs off 30 balls, with three boundaries, as the Stallions finished their innings at a competitive 162/5.
Musa Khan was the pick of the Lions’ bowlers, taking 2/31 in his spell of four overs, while Aamir Yamin and Faisal Akram each took a wicket.
During the chase, the Lions struck an early blow when opener Zeeshan Malik was dismissed for a duck off the third ball of the first over.
Despite this, Imam ul Haq and Hasan Nawaz revived the innings with a solid 71-run partnership for the second wicket.
Nawaz contributed 30 runs off 25 balls, including three fours and a six, but was dismissed by Shoaib Malik. Skipper Imam played a valiant knock of 43 runs off 28 balls, with four boundaries and a six, before falling to Usman Tariq.
The Lions’ chase faltered further with the dismissals of Rohail Nazir (3) and Awais Zafar (3), leaving them at 97/5 in the 13th over.
Despite a late fight from Khushdil Shah and Aamir Yamin, who added 44 runs for the sixth wicket, the Lions were unable to recover.
Shah was dismissed for 28 and although Yamin remained unbeaten on 27, the Lions were bowled out for 150/8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 12 runs.
The Stallions’ bowlers were excellent, with Shoaib Malik, Zaman Khan and Usman Tariq taking two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali took one.
The versatile veteran was named best player on the match for his exceptional performance.
