Nurpur Lions clinch victory over Stallions in first eliminator of Champions One-Day Cup

In a thrilling contest at Iqbal Stadium on Wednesday, the Lions emerged victorious against the Stallions, winning the first Eliminator round of the Champions One-Day Cup by 12 runs. The Lions set a formidable target of 264 runs, and despite a valiant effort from the Stallions, they fell short, ending their innings at 251 all-out in 49.4 overs.

The Lions, captained by Imam-ul-Haq, batted first after winning the toss. They posted a total of 263 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The innings began on a shaky note, with top-order batter Rohail Nazir dismissed for just 4 runs, bowled by Ubaid Shah in the 3rd over. The Lions faced further setbacks as their captain Imam-ul-Haq, who managed 23 runs off 32 balls, fell victim to an outstanding catch by Ubaid Shah.

Mohammad Taha put up a commendable fight, contributing 47 runs with 2 fours and 2 sixes off 59 balls, but it was the partnership between Aamer Yamin and Ahmed Daniyal that propelled the Lions past the 260 mark. Aamer scored 46 runs off 57 balls, while Daniyal top-scored with a brilliant 65 off 59 balls, showcasing impressive stroke play.

The Lions lost momentum towards the end of their innings, with several key players like Omair Yousuf (4), Irfan Khan (7), Khushdil Shah (2), and Sirajuddin (7) failing to reach double figures. However, Ahmed’s explosive finishing, which included smashing five sixes in the final over, helped solidify the Lions’ total.

On the bowling front, Ubaid Shah was the standout performer for the Stallions, claiming three wickets, while Haris Rauf, Adil Amin, and Maaz Sadaqat each contributed with two wickets, effectively limiting the Lions' scoring opportunities.

Chasing 264, the Stallions started their innings with a promising knock from Yasir Khan, who scored 39 runs off 41 balls, hitting seven boundaries before falling to an lbw decision from Faisal Akram. Maaz Sadaqat, the other opener, added 27 runs before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir.

Hussain Talat attempted to stabilize the innings, scoring 32 off 41 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Tayyab Tahir (28), Mohammad Mohsin (30), and captain Haris (30) each provided valuable contributions but could not convert them into half-centuries.

As the innings progressed, Zaman Khan arrived at a critical juncture, but his efforts were not enough. The match concluded dramatically when Jahandad Khan was run out by Aamer on the second-to-last ball of the 49th over, after scoring 36 runs off 32 balls.

The Lions' bowlers showcased a stellar performance, with Ahmed Daniyal and Khushdil Shah each taking 3 wickets, supported by Sirajuddin, Sharoon Siraj, and Faisal Akram, who each grabbed a wicket.

In the post-match presentation, Ahmed Daniyal was named Player of the Series for his outstanding contributions throughout the tournament.