Shadab and Usama Spin Panthers to Victory After Mubasir and Haider’s Game-Changing Fifties
Shadab and Usama Spin Panthers to Victory After Mubasir and Haider’s Game-Changing Fifties: In a commanding performance at the Iqbal Stadium on Monday, half-centuries by Mubasir Khan and Haider Ali, supported by an all-round display from Player of the Match Shadab Khan, led Panthers to an 84-run victory against Lions. This marked their second win in three matches in the Champions One-Day Cup.
Playing under bright skies, Panthers overcame early setbacks to post 283 all-out in 46.5 overs. Mubasir’s impressive 90 and Haider’s solid 84 were the pillars of their innings, the duo sharing a critical 144-run fifth-wicket stand after the side had slumped to 51 for four. Shadab Khan, coming in later, played a key supporting role with a brisk 37 off 29 balls, decorated with five boundaries.
The Lions’ chase faltered despite a fighting 60 from Imam-ul-Haq. They were bundled out for 199 in 35.2 overs, with Shadab taking three wickets for 42 runs, adding to his earlier batting heroics. Usama Mir also shone with the ball, picking up three for 55, while Mohammad Hasnain grabbed two wickets for 28 runs to further tighten the noose on the Lions.
Mubasir’s 97-ball innings was a showcase of aggression and control, featuring 10 boundaries and three sixes. Haider’s patient 99-ball knock included five fours and three sixes, making him the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 149 runs. The pair’s resilience came after early dismissals of key players like Saim Ayub (10), Azan Awais (1), Umar Siddiq (0), and Usman Khan (11).
After Mubasir narrowly missed his century, Haider stitched another vital 67-run partnership with Shadab before falling at 262. Panthers lost their final four wickets for just 21 runs, bowled out for 283 in the 47th over. For the Lions, Ahmed Daniyal and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed three wickets each, while Aamer Yamin and Sirajuddin shared four wickets between them.
In reply, Lions found themselves in early trouble at 44 for three. Imam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Irfan Khan (35) gave them hope with an 83-run partnership, but once Shadab broke the stand by dismissing Imam, the rest of the batting crumbled. Khushdil Shah (22) and Omair Bin Yousuf (20) offered brief resistance, but it was not enough to prevent the inevitable.
Scores in Brief: Panthers: 283 all out, 46.5 overs (Mubasir Khan 90, Haider Ali 84, Shadab Khan 37; Ahmed Daniyal 3-47, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-57, Aamer Yamin 2-33, Sirajuddin 2-49) Lions: 199 all out, 35.2 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 60, Muhammad Irfan Khan 35, Khushdil Shah 22, Omair Bin Yousuf 20; Shadab Khan 3-42, Usama Mir 3-55, Mohammad Hasnain 2-28)
Player of the Match: Shadab Khan (Panthers)
After a rest day on Tuesday, action will resume on Wednesday with Markhors, undefeated so far, set to face off against Dolphins, who are still in search of their first win.
