Rawalpindi: In a thrilling contest at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Nurpur Lions emerged victorious by eight runs over Lake City Panthers in the crucial match of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup. The win was sealed by paceman Shahid Aziz, who held his nerve to defend 16 runs in the final over, helping the Lions to a narrow victory.
Set a target of 161 to win, Lake City Panthers finished at 152-6 in their 20 overs. Danish Aziz played a resilient knock, remaining unbeaten on 38 from 27 balls, including five boundaries. He was supported by opener Umar Siddiq, who scored 38 off 28 balls, hitting one six and four boundaries. Sajid Khan contributed with an explosive eight-ball 17, hitting two sixes, and Amad Butt remained not out on 16 from 13 balls. However, these efforts fell short as the Panthers could not reach the required target.
For Nurpur Lions, spinner Sharoon Siraj was the standout performer, picking up 3 wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs, while paceman Shahid Aziz also kept things tight in the final over.
Earlier, Nurpur Lions posted 160 all out in 19.2 overs after being put in to bat. Imam-ul-Haq and Hasan Nawaz provided a solid foundation with a 85-run partnership in just 7.2 overs. Imam smashed a quick-fire 57 from 36 balls, including eight boundaries and one six, while Nawaz contributed a powerful 41 off 22 balls, including three sixes and four boundaries.
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However, the Lions’ innings lost momentum after Nawaz’s dismissal. From a strong position of 110-1, the Lions were bowled out for 160. Shahzaib Khan (16) and Khushdil Shah (13) were the other notable contributors, but no one could provide the finishing touch. Usama Mir was the pick of the bowlers for Panthers, returning impressive figures of 4-23, while Mohammad Wasim Jnr supported with 2-22.
With this victory, Nurpur Lions moved to second place in the points table, having accumulated eight points from seven matches, with a superior net run-rate. UMT Markhors continue to lead the standings with 10 points. On the other hand, Lake City Panthers remain in fourth place with six points, while Engro Dolphins are yet to open their account after six defeats.
Scores in Brief:
Nurpur Lions 160 all out in 19.2 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 57, Hasan Nawaz 41, Shahzaib Khan 16; Usama Mir 4-23, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-22)
Lake City Panthers 152-6 in 20 overs (Danish Aziz 38 not out, Umar Siddiq 38; Sharoon Siraj 3-19)
Player of the Match: Sharoon Siraj
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