Champions T20 Cup: Stallions defeat Markhors by 29 Runs

The Stallions emerged victorious against the Markhors in the Champions T20 Cup, defeating them by 29 runs in the 17th match played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.  

The Markhors won the toss and opted to bowl first. In response, the Stallions set a target of 148 runs, scoring 147 for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.  

The Stallions' opening batters, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain, were dismissed cheaply, scoring 20 and 2 runs, respectively, with only a 13-run partnership between them. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris contributed 19 runs, Mohammad Mohsin scored 12, and team mentor Shoaib Malik added 27. Hussain Talat (6), Taimur Khan (20), Jahandad Khan (16), and Zaman Khan (8) were the other contributors to the total.  

For the Markhors, Akif Javed, Zahid Mehmood, and Bilawal Bhatti took two wickets each, while Iftikhar Ahmed claimed one.  

Chasing the target of 148, the Markhors fell short and were bowled out for 118 in 18.3 overs.  

The Markhors' batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay managed only 17 runs, while his opening partner Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a mere 1. Mohammad Faizan scored 7, and both Iftikhar Ahmed and Abdul Samad departed without scoring. Bilawal Bhatti (9) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) were trapped leg-before by Usman Tariq's spinning deliveries.  

Saad Masood provided some resistance with 38 runs, while Nisar Ahmed added 22. Zahid Mehmood and Akif Javed scored 3 and 4 runs, respectively, with Akif remaining not out.  

For the Stallions, Mohammad Ali was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets, while Jahandad Khan picked up 3. Usman Tariq and Maaz Sadaqat chipped in with 2 and 1 wicket, respectively.  

Jahandad Khan was awarded Player of the Match for taking three crucial wickets of Markhor's top-order batters.

The second match of the day will feature the Dolphins taking on the Lions.