Faislabad-In a thrilling finale at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, the Engro Dolphins triumphed over the Nurpur Lions by 16 runs in their last league match of the Champions One-Day Cup. Despite the defeat, the Lions advanced to the playoffs, where they will take on the Allied Bank Stallions in Wednesday’s eliminator. Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Qualifier will feature the UMT Markhors against the Lake City Panthers.
Batting first, the Dolphins set a challenging target of 327 runs. Openers Mohammad Huraira and Muhammad Akhlaq gave their team a solid start, scoring 47 and 52 runs, respectively, while putting together a 77-run partnership. However, after losing a few quick wickets, the Dolphins found themselves at 126-3. Umar Amin then anchored the innings with a vital 75 runs off 81 balls, supported by Saud Shakeel and Qasim Akram. Faheem Ashraf’s late flourish of 30 runs propelled the Dolphins to a total of 326 all out in 49.3 overs.
In response, the Lions fought valiantly, with Rohail Nazir and Khushdil Shah scoring 62 and 60 runs, respectively. Their 78-run opening stand gave the Lions hope, but they faltered in the middle overs and were eventually restricted to 310-8 after 50 overs. Aamir Jamal, Ahmed Daniyal, and Shaheen Shah Afridi were the standout bowlers for the Lions. Ultimately, the Dolphins’ strong performance ensured their victory, leaving the Lions to regroup for the playoff challenge ahead.
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Mohammad Taha (40, 49b, 4x4s) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (13, 16b, 1×4) departed in a space of 19 balls as Lions were dented to 213-6 in 38 overs. Khushdil, batting at No. 7, hit four fours and five sixes and was aided by Shaheen Shah Afridi who smoked five sixes in his unbeaten 33 off 28 balls but in vain.
Saud (2-24) and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (2-78) were the leading bowlers for Dolphins.
Match Summary:
Engro Dolphins: 326 all out in 49.3 overs
Top Performers: Umar Amin 75, Muhammad Akhlaq 52, Mohammad Huraira 47, Qasim Akram 31, Faheem Ashraf 30
Bowling Highlights for Nurpur Lions: Aamir Jamal 3-69, Ahmed Daniyal 2-58, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-58
Nurpur Lions: 310-8 in 50 overs
Top Performers: Rohail Nazir 62, Khushdil Shah 60, Shaheen Shah Afridi 33, Abdullah Shafique 27, Omair Bin Yousuf 26, Sharoon Siraj 25
Bowling Highlights for Engro Dolphins: Saud Shakeel 2-24, Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-78
Player of the Match: Umar Amin (Engro Dolphins)
Upcoming Fixtures:
Qualifier: UMT Markhors vs. Lake City Panthers
Date: September 24
Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Time: 3 PM (local time)
Eliminator 1: Allied Bank Stallions vs. Nurpur Lions
Date: September 25
Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Time: 3 PM (local time)
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