- Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik led the Stallions to a narrow victory over the Lions.
- Lions faced an early setback with Zeeshan Malik dismissed in the first over.
- Stallions lead the Champions T20 Cup points table with two wins.
RAWALPINDI: Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik delivered a stellar performance with both bat and ball to guide the Stallions to a narrow victory over the Lions in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Lions’ captain Imam-ul-Haq opted to field first, and his bowlers made early inroads, reducing the Stallions to 21-2. However, Maaz Sadaqat steadied the innings with a composed 32, while skipper Mohammad Haris added 25 to stabilize the situation.
The turning point came when Hussain Talat and Shoaib Malik built an 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Malik contributed a valuable 39 off 30 balls, and Talat remained unbeaten on 51 off 36 deliveries, helping the Stallions post a competitive total of 162-5 in 20 overs.
In reply, the Lions faced an early setback as opener Zeeshan Malik was dismissed in the first over. Imam-ul-Haq and Hasan Nawaz then put on a solid 71-run partnership for the second wicket before a dramatic middle-order collapse derailed their chase.
Imam top-scored with 43 off 28 balls, while Nawaz chipped in with 30 off 25. Despite Khushdil Shah’s 28 off 29 and Aamer Yamin’s unbeaten 27 off 24, the Lions fell short, managing 150-7 in their 20 overs.
For the Stallions, Zaman Khan, Shoaib Malik, and Usman Tariq picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali claimed one.
The Stallions currently lead the Champions T20 Cup points table, having won both of their matches.
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