The Champions T20 Cup witnessed thrilling action today as Markhors and Stallions recorded emphatic victories over Panthers and Dolphins respectively at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In the first match of the day, Markhors chased down the Panthers’ total with ease, securing a six-wicket victory.
After being asked to bat first, the Panthers posted 155/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opening batsman Umar Siddiq top-scored for his team with 41 off 34 balls, while Arafat Minhas contributed 34 off 24 balls and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai added 24 runs.
The Markhors bowlers were disciplined, with Imran Jr leading the attack, taking 3/35 in his spell of four overs.
Mohammad Nawaz, Saad Masood and Nisar Ahmad picked up a wicket each, limiting the Panthers to a below-par total.
In response, Markhors comfortably chased down the target in 13.3 overs, losing four wickets along the way.
Mohammad Imran was the hero of the chase, remaining unbeaten with 64 off 34 deliveries, while Fakhar Zaman contributed a solid 49 off 28 balls.
Abdul Samad played a vicious knock, scoring 34 runs off just nine balls, including five sixes.
– STALLIONS VS DOLPHINS –
In the second match, the Stallions achieved a six-wicket victory over the Dolphins, with important performances from Mohammad Ali and captain Mohammad Haris.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Dolphins were bowled out for a modest total of 131 in 20 overs.
Qasim Akram was his team’s top scorer, hitting 40 off 34 balls, while Faheem Ashraf and Abbas Afridi contributed 26 and 21 runs respectively.
However, three Dolphins hitters were dismissed for ducks, leaving their total well short.
Mohammad Ali was the Stallions’ standout bowler, recording exceptional figures of 4/15, which included a maiden.
He was well supported by Hussain Talat, who took 3 wickets, and Zaman Khan, who took two wickets.
Chasing the target, the Stallions lost four wickets but reached the target in 14 overs.
Skipper Mohammad Haris played a crucial blow as he remained unbeaten on 52 off 30 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six.
He was well supported by openers Yasir Khan (32) and Maaz Sadaqat (28).
Dolphins’ Mohammad Rameez Jr. took two wickets while Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Abbas took one each.
