Babar Azam’s Heroics Power Stallions to 133-Run Win
Babar Azam’s Heroics Power Stallions to 133-Run Win: The Stallions registered a commanding 133-run win over Lions in the second match of the Champions One-Day Cup, held on Friday at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. Chasing a daunting 337-run target set by Stallions, Lions were bowled out for 203 in 39.3 overs.
The Stallions’ pace attack made early inroads into the Lions’ batting lineup, reducing them to 22-3 in the first 6 overs. Mohammad Ali and Jahandad Khan combined to deliver a fierce opening spell, with Ali grabbing two wickets and Jahandad picking one. Lions’ troubles were compounded as Hussain Talat dismissed Sharoon Siraj (28 off 38 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), and Haris Rauf got rid of Khushdil Shah (19 off 29 balls, 2 fours, 1 six), leaving the score at a precarious 107-5 in 24 overs.
Imam-ul-Haq fought back with a valiant half-century (78 off 83 balls, 6 fours, 1 six), but his resistance ended when Jahandad Khan had him caught in the 34th over. Despite efforts from Aamer Yamin and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who both scored 22 off 21 balls, the Lions crumbled, losing their final five wickets for just 96 runs. Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3-43 in 7.3 overs.
Earlier, Stallions set the stage with a formidable total of 336-5 after electing to bat first. Their innings was built on the foundation of four half-centuries from Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, and Hussain Talat. The opening duo of Yasir Khan (13) and Shan Masood (41 off 53 balls, 6 fours) gave them a steady start before Babar and Tayyab took control, adding 114 runs for the third wicket.
Babar, who top-scored with 76 off 79 balls (9 fours), was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi in the 35th over. Tayyab followed soon after, having played a fluent knock of 74 from 72 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes). Mohammad Haris (55 off 36 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes) and Hussain Talat (50 not out off 33 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) powered the Stallions past the 300-mark with an explosive 88-run fifth-wicket stand from just 53 balls. Jahandad Khan’s quickfire 20 off 11 balls helped the Stallions amass 118 runs in the final 10 overs.
For Nurpur Lions, Shaheen Afridi and Aamir Jamal were the pick of the bowlers, both claiming two wickets, while Faisal Akram chipped in with one.
Scores in brief: Stallions 336-5, 50 overs (Babar Azam 76, Tayyab Tahir 74, Mohammad Haris 55, Hussain Talat 50, Shan Masood 41; Aamir Jamal 2-60, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-63, Faisal Akram 1-40)
Lions 203 all out, 39.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 78, Sharoon Siraj 28, Aamer Yamin 22, Shaheen Shah Afridi 22; Haris Rauf 3-43, Mohammad Ali 2-18, Jahandad Khan 2-33)
Player of the Match: Babar Azam (Stallions)
