Champions T20 Cup: Lions defeat Panthers by eight runs

In an exciting encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the Lions edged past the Panthers by 8 runs in the 16th match of the Champions T20 Cup. Winning the toss, the Panthers opted to bowl first, setting the Lions a stage to post a competitive total of 160 runs.  

The Lions were bowled out in 19.2 overs, with opener Imam-ul-Haq leading the charge with a brilliant 57 off 36 balls, hitting 8 fours and a six. His opening partner Hassan Nawaz contributed 41 runs, with the pair stitching together an 85-run partnership. However, the middle and lower order faltered, with Rohail Nazir scoring 6, Shahzaib Khan 16, Aamir Yamin 2, Khushdil Shah 13, and Shahid Aziz and Mohammad Taha adding just 1 run each. Musa Khan managed 4 runs, while Sharoon Siraj was dismissed for a duck.  

Usama Mir shone with the ball for the Panthers, claiming 4 wickets, while Wasim Jr bagged 2. Sajid Khan and Mubashir Khan took one wicket each to restrict the Lions.  

In response, the Panthers fell short, scoring 152/6 in their 20 overs. Sharoon Siraj was the pick of the bowlers for the Lions, taking 3 crucial wickets. Musa Khan, Khushdil Shah, and Mohammad Taha chipped in with a wicket each to defend the target successfully.  

For his exceptional bowling performance, Sharoon Siraj was awarded the Player of the Match.