Babar Azam’s Century Powers Stallions to Dominant Victory Over Dolphins

Babar Azam’s impressive century, combined with a strong performance from the bowlers, propelled the Stallions to a commanding 174-run victory over the Dolphins in the seventh match of the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Dolphins’ Innings

In pursuit of a target of 272 runs, the Dolphins faced a dismal performance, collapsing for just 97 runs, with 25 overs still remaining in the match. Only four batters managed to reach double digits, with Sahibzada Farhan leading the way as the top scorer with 32 runs.

The batting lineup struggled significantly, with Asif Ali contributing 21 runs, Saud Shakeel scoring 12, and Umar Amin adding 10. The remaining players faltered; Muhammad Hurraira was dismissed without scoring, while Sarfaraz Ahmed managed only 5 runs, Qasim Akram scored 4, and Faheem Ashraf also added just 4 runs. Sufiyan Muqeem and Mir Hamza both failed to make an impact, scoring only 1 and 0 runs, respectively. Abbas Afridi remained unbeaten at 3 runs, but his efforts were insufficient to lift the team.

On the bowling front, the Stallions’ bowlers dominated the innings. Mehran Mumtaz and Jahandad Khan each claimed three wickets, with Mumtaz finishing with figures of 3 for 14 and Khan taking 3 for 18. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf also made significant contributions, taking two wickets apiece for 15 and 28 runs, respectively. Mohammad Ali, however, did not take any wickets, ending with figures of 0 for 22.

Stallions’ Innings

Earlier in the match, the Stallions elected to bat first and got off to a solid start. Openers Yasir Khan and Shan Masood provided a strong foundation for their team, forming a 76-run partnership. Yasir scored 46 runs while Shan contributed 34 runs before Faheem Ashraf broke their partnership by dismissing Masood.

Tayyab Tahir showed some resilience during his innings, scoring 33 runs off 49 balls before being dismissed by Qasim Akram. Yasir Khan was next to go, trapped LBW by Dolphins’ captain Saud Shakeel.

The standout performer for the Stallions was none other than Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan white-ball team. After facing criticism for his recent form in international cricket, Babar made a remarkable comeback in domestic cricket, scoring his 30th List A century. He played a brilliant innings, hitting seven boundaries and three towering sixes, showcasing his talent and determination on the field. This performance was particularly memorable for him, especially given his history in Faisalabad.

Former cricketer Aamir Sohail had previously praised Babar for addressing his technical flaws, which appeared to pay off during this innings. Hussain Talat aimed to propel the Stallions closer to the 300-run mark but fell victim to a run-out after scoring 23 runs off 25 balls.

Mohammad Haris struggled during his innings, scoring only 6 runs before being dismissed by Sufiyan Muqeem. Jahandad Khan added a run-a-ball 8 before being bowled out by Mir Hamza. Mehran Mumtaz contributed 3 runs before being dismissed by Abbas Afridi, while Haris Rauf ended his innings not out on 3 runs from 5 balls.

Interestingly, every Dolphins bowler managed to take at least one wicket, showcasing a collective effort despite the overall defeat.

Player of the Match

Babar Azam’s exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award, further solidifying his reputation as a key player in the tournament.

Toss

The Stallions won the toss and opted to bat first against the Dolphins, a decision that ultimately proved advantageous as they set a challenging target and capitalized on their bowling prowess to secure a decisive victory.

Match Summary

Overall, the match highlighted the Stallions’ dominance, particularly through Babar Azam’s brilliant century and the impressive bowling attack that dismantled the Dolphins’ batting lineup. The 174-run victory not only reflects the team’s strength but also sets a high bar for their upcoming matches in the tournament.

Babar’s return to form is particularly significant, as it not only boosts his confidence but also that of his team as they aim for success in the Champions One-Day Cup. As the tournament progresses, the Stallions will look to build on this victory, while the Dolphins will need to regroup and strategize to improve their performance in future matches.

The match was a testament to the unpredictability of cricket, showcasing how a strong batting and bowling performance can turn the tide in a single game. With the Stallions firmly in control, they will carry this momentum forward as they continue their campaign in the tournament.

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