Cricket - Domestic
Rawalpindi to host Champions T20 Cup from 7-25 December
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup will be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 7 to 25 December. Five teams - ABL Stallions, Engro Dolphins, Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions, and UMT Markhors - will compete for the prestigious title.This marks the second event in the Champions Cup series, following the resounding success of the 50-over tournament held in Faisalabad in September. In that event, the Lake City Panthers had triumphed over the UMT Markhors in a closely contested final. Cricket fans had turned out in droves at the Iqbal Stadium to witness the 14-match extravaganza, showcasing some of the country’s finest talent.To build on this momentum, the PCB has strategically scheduled the Champions T20 Cup at the centrally located Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, featuring 22 matches over 19 days, including six double-headers and eight single-headers. Double-header matches will begin at 11am and 3.30pm, while single-header games are set for 12pm.A new cut-throat format has been introduced to enhance the competition’s intensity. The table-topper after the double-league stage will advance directly to the final, while the second and third-placed teams will face off in a Qualifier on 23 December at 3.30pm. The final is scheduled for 25 December at 3.30pm.The tournament format will also serve as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills, offering selectors valuable insights into players who could be groomed for the national team. Furthermore, standout performers may attract the attention of the HBL Pakistan Super League franchises as they prepare for the 2025 season and beyond.The Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup will kick off on 7 December with an exciting double-header: ABL Stallions vs Lake City Panthers, followed by Nurpur Lions vs UMT Markhors. First round matches will take place from 7 to 13 December, while the second round will run from 15 to 21 December.Champions T20 Cup (Schedule):Sat, 7 Dec: ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers (11am); Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors (3.30pm)Sun 8 Dec: Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins (12pm)Mon, 9 Dec: ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions (12pm)Tues, 10 Dec: Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors (12pm)Wed, 11 Dec: Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers (12pm)Thurs, 12 Dec: ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors (11am); Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)Fri, 13 Dec: Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors (11am); ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)Sun, 15 Dec: ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers (11am); Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors (3.30pm)Mon, 16 Dec: Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins (12pm)Tues, 17 Dec: ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions (12pm)Wed, 18 Dec: Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors (12pm)Thurs, 19 Dec: Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers (12pm)Fri, 20 Dec: ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors (11am); Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)Sat, 21 Dec: Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors (11am); ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)Mon, 23 Dec: Qualifier (Second ranked side v third ranked side) (3.30pm)Wed, 25 Dec: FINAL (3.30pm).
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 showcases in front of Taxila Museum
Sports Bulletin ReportTAXILA: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Monday was showcased at the Taxila Museum, the historic Dharmarajika Stupa, and Khanpur Dam. Thousands of enthusiastic cricket fans visited and saw the trophy, and enjoyed a boat ride with the trophy at Khanpur Dam.The ICC Cricket Champions Trophy is being showcased in various cities across Pakistan, and as part of this tour, the trophy was brought to the historic city of Taxila. The trophy was displayed at the Taxila Museum, where thousands of cricket enthusiasts, including women, men, and children, gathered to catch a glimpse. The crowd was overjoyed to see the trophy up close and took numerous photographs with it.The trophy was also showcased at another historic site in Taxila, the Dharmarajika Stupa. Later, it was taken to Khanpur Dam, where it was given a boat ride, allowing fans to enjoy the trophy in a unique setting.
Salman Naseer appointed CEO of PSL and advisor to Chairman
Lahore (PR): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sumair Ahmad Syed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) following approval by the Board of Governors in its 75th meeting, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi at the National Cricket Academy on Saturday afternoon.Sumair Ahmad, a seasoned civil servant with an extensive administrative experience, most recently served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. He assumes the Chief Operating Officer’s role from Salman Naseer, who has been appointed as Advisor to the PCB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) department. Salman began his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer and had previously indicated he would not seek a contract renewal in a similar role upon the completion of his five-year term in February 2025.Welcoming Sumair Ahmad and expressing gratitude for Salman Naseer’s years of service, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said:“Sumair is an outstanding professional with proven administrative skills and deep industry knowledge. We are delighted to welcome him to the PCB family and are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen and improve our administrative structures, moving closer to our goal of becoming a model, high-performing organisation.“Salman has been an exemplary leader at the Pakistan Cricket Board, making invaluable contributions during his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer. His experience and insights have made him an asset to the PCB. Given our plans to establish PSL as an independent entity and to expand the league with two additional teams in 2026, we have appointed him as PSL’s Chief Executive Officer. He will also serve as Advisor to the PCB Chairman, ensuring his expertise continues to guide our strategic goals.”On his appointment, Sumair Ahmad said:“As a lifelong follower and supporter of Pakistan cricket, it is a profound honour for me to join this dynamic organisation as its Chief Operating Officer during these exciting and pivotal times. I am deeply grateful to the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for their trust and support. With the collaboration of my colleagues, I am eager to play a meaningful role here at PCB.“This organisation holds tremendous potential and cricket serves as a unifying force for the people of Pakistan.“During my tenure as Chief Operating Officer, I am committed to helping the Chairman bring his vision for Pakistan cricket to life. This vision centers on achieving success with our national teams, enhancing infrastructure, expanding opportunities for aspiring cricketers and ensuring good governance. I am excited to contribute to this journey and work towards making a lasting impact on the game that we all cherish.”Salman Naseer expressed gratitude and support for Sumair Ahmad:“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the PCB’s management team as Chief Operating Officer. This journey has been deeply rewarding, as we collectively made significant progress and overcame various challenges.“I am grateful to the PCB Chairman for his trust and to my colleagues for their support, without which our successes would not have been possible.“I would also like to thank the Board of Governors for their guidance and look forward to contributing to Sumair’s success at the PCB. With the experience and commitment he brings, I am confident that the PCB will continue to grow stronger and reach new heights.”
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: Bowlers hand Faisalabad first win in top national cricket
Lahore (PR): Faisalabad romped to an innings and eight-run victory over Hyderabad, their first of the season on Friday at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad. Faisalabad were bundled out for 230, taking a first innings lead of 134 with the help of Mohammad Faizan’s 83, after continuing from their overnight score of 212-8.In turn, Asad Raza (4-37) and Shahid Ali (4-37) repeated their first innings heroics to take their tally of match figures to eight wickets each as they took Faisalabad to their first win.At National Ground, Islamabad, Larkana closed the day trailing by 38 runs in their second innings with Mohammad Nawaz unbeaten on 58, after Abbottabad took first innings lead of 168 runs. Larkana’s Mushtaq Ahmed bagged 5-70 to restrict Abbottabad to 231 after they resumed from overnight score of 81-2. Mushtaq was backed up by Aamir Ali Brohi with a four-fer.In another Group A fixture at Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad led by 82 runs in their second innings with two wickets in hand when stumps were drawn. Earlier in the day, Lahore Whites took a 47-run first innings lead as they were bowled out for 214 with Kaleem Dil taking 5-60. Islamabad were reduced to 129-8 by the close of play as Ahmed Daniyal took 4-24.At Ashfaq Ground Sirdheri, Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Faizan Saleem starred with 5-50 as Peshawar were bundled out for 213, taking a 42-run lead. In turn, AJK’s Hasan Raza remained unbeaten on 62 as they reached 100-1 at close of play and 58 runs ahead.Karachi Whites were bundled out for 145, after they began the day with 28-3, as Rawalpindi’s Mohammad Faizan (5-39) and Munir Riaz (4-43) shared nine wickets among them. In turn, Rawalpindi closed the day two with 196-9 and 51-run lead thanks to Shadab Khan’s quick-fire 46.At Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Bahawalpur bundled out Multan for a mere 147 after posting 297, taking a valuable 150-run lead. Bahawalpur’s Mehran Sanwal (4-28) and Shoaib Manzoor (4-47) shared eight wickets among them. Bahawalpur faced only three balls in their second innings before play was called off due to bad light.In Pool C, Sialkot’s Ashir Mehmood (172) and Azan Awais (130) notched a record 312-run opening stand on a shortened day as Sialkot finished with 370-5 against DM Jamali Region at Rana Naved ul Hasan Academy Sheikhupura.Elsewhere, Lahore Blues recovered from an overnight score of 36-5 to post 150 all out in reply to Quetta’s first innings total of 101 as only 41 overs of play was possible at Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore. At Multan, no play was possible due to bad light and Karachi Blues will resume from 221-5 on day three.Scores in brief (Day 2 of 4): Faisalabad beat Hyderabad by an innings and eight runs at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Pool AHyderabad 96 all out, 22.3 overs (Kashif Bhatti 36, Sharjeel Khan 24; Shahid Ali 4-24, Asad Raza 4-36) and 126 all out, 35 overs (Rizwan Mehmood 20, Sharjeel Khan 20; Asad Raza 4-37, Shahid Ali 4-37)Faisalabad 230 all out, 48.4 overs (Mohammad Faizan 83, Mohammad Awais Zafar 45, Atiq-ur-Rehman 23; Bilawal Bhatti 5-55, Asim Jutt 3-56, Mohammad Waqar 2-32)Abbottabad vs Larkana, National Ground, Islamabad, Pool ALarkana 63 all out, 23.2 overs (Mushtaq Ahmed 14 not out; Mohammad Adil 7-16, Aqib Khan 2-16) and 130-5, 35 overs (Mohammad Nawaz 58 not out, Faraz Aziz 26; Aqib Khan 4-17)Abbottabad 231 all out, 57 overs (Khayam Khan 46, Shahab Khan 35, Zain Ishaq 35, Khalid Usman 26; Mushtaq Ahmed 5-70, Aamir Ali Brohi 4-71)Islamabad vs Lahore Whites, Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Pool AIslamabad 167 all out, 47.4 overs (Arsal Sheikh 63 not out, Shayan Sheikh 43; Ahmed Bashir 7-31, Ahmed Daniyal 2-54) and 129-8, 42 overs (Arsal Sheikh 27 not out, Shayan Sheikh 20; Ahmed Daniyal 4-24, Ahmed Bashir 2-35)Lahore Whites 214 all out, 64.4 overs (Obaid Shahid 43, Saad Nasim 40, Attyab Ahmed 36, Mohammad Faiq 35, Mohammad Waheed 32; Kaleem Dil 5-60, Nusratullah 2-47, Musa Khan 2-53)AJK vs Peshawar, Ashfaq Cricket Ground Sirdheri, Pool BAJK 171 all out, 53.4 overs (Basit Ali 27, Ali Abbas 27, Abdul Rehman Muzammil 26, Usman Salahuddin 22; Sajid Khan 5-52, Mohammad Amir Khan 2-16, Mohammad Imran Jnr 2-52) and 100-1, 34 overs (Hasan Raza 62 not out, Awais Akram Minhas 22 not out)Peshawar 213 all out, 62.2 overs (Israrullah 62, Abu Bakar 36; Faizan Saleem 5-50, Aqib Liaqat 3-45, Taj Wali 2-42)Rawalpindi vs Karachi Whites, Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pool BKarachi Whites 145 all out, 38 overs (Rameez Aziz 59, Saqib Khan 21; Mohammad Faizan 5-39, Munir Riaz 4-43)Rawalpindi 196-9, 39 overs (Shadab Khan 46, Ziad Khan 40, Umar Amin 23; Saqib Khan 4-81, Mohammad Umar 3-60)Multan vs Bahawalpur, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad, Pool BBahawalpur 297 all out, 106.2 overs (Ali Hamza Wasim 84, Mohammad Faizan Zafar 79, Abid Ali 64; Waseem Akram Jnr 4-64, Mohammad Shahzad 2-46, Tahir Hussain 2-55) and 0-0, 0.3 oversMultan 147 all out, 34.3 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 42, Zain Abbas 39; Mehran Sanwal 4-28, Shoaib Manzoor 4-47)Quetta vs Lahore Blues, Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore, Pool CQuetta 101 all out, 45.4 overs (Shahbaz Khan 57; Nisar Ahmad 5-25, Mohammad Abbas 3-36)Lahore Blues 150 all out, 59.4 overs (Qasim Akram 42, Junaid Ali 27; Gohar Faiz 4-49, Jalat Khan 3-32, Mohammad Idrees 2-21)Karachi Blues vs FATA, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pool C (No play was possible) Karachi Blues 221-5, 80 overs (Abdullah Fazal 96 not out, Kashif Ali 31, Fawad Alam 25; Asif Afridi 3-32)Sialkot vs DM Jamali, Rana Naved ul Hasan Cricket Academy, Sheikhupura, Pool C (Early close of play due to bad light)Sialkot 370-5, 86 overs (Ashir Mehmood 172, Azan Awais 130, Abdul Rehman 21; Danish Aziz 2-60).
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Cricket Tournament to commence on October 26
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, will begin from 26 October. Eighteen teams from the 16 regions will participate in the four-day tournament that will conclude on 19 December.The 18 teams include Abbottabad Region, AJK Region, Bahawalpur Region, Dera Murad Jamali Region, Faisalabad Region, FATA Region, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Whites, Lahore Region Blues, Larkana Region, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, Quetta Region, Rawalpindi Region and Sialkot Region.Karachi Region Whites will defend the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title this year after the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side defeated Faisalabad Region in the final by 456 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium from 22 to 26 October 2023. Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director - Domestic Cricket Operations said: “Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is the pinnacle of domestic cricket in Pakistan as it is not just a tournament but also an event that showcases the immense talent across the country and prepares them for the challenges of international cricket. As always, we will continue to provide the best possible platform for players to excel and show their capabilities on the biggest stage in domestic cricket as they will be rubbing their shoulders with the best players of the country. Earlier we demonstrated a successful Champions One-Day Cup, and are fully committed to strengthening our domestic structure. The successful execution of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains at the heart of this commitment.”
Qalandars hold trials to select players for “Player Development Program”
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE (PR): Over 12, 000 players participated in the trials aiming to select the upcoming talented cricketers for “Player Development Program” (PDP) at the Qalandars-UOL High-Performance Centre in the University of Lahore, as the selected players will be announced on Monday (tomorrow), and they will have the opportunity to advance their cricketing careers under the guidance of experienced professionals. In an impressive display of talent and determination, over 12,000 aspiring cricketers from diverse backgrounds participated, showcasing their skills in hopes of securing a spot in the shortlisted list for the program. The rigorous trials spanned an extensive day, during which batters, bowlers, and wicketkeepers underwent thorough evaluations to demonstrate their abilities.The trials were overseen by PDP's poster boy, Haris Rauf, along with Lahore Qalandars’ captain, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and the batch of senior coaching staff. Their involvement not only inspired the participants but also ensured a comprehensive assessment of each player's potential.The event was further distinguished by the presence of Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who graced the occasion with his support for grassroots cricket development. He shared the stage with Lahore Qalandars Owner and CEO Atif Rana alongside Chairman University of Lahore Awais Raoof.Atif Rana, Owner & CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said: “I am excited to see such a remarkable turnout of young talent. Every time we announce our PDP trials, thousands of aspiring cricketers come together to showcase their skills, which speaks volumes about their trust in our system. Our journey, which began nine years ago, continues to make significant progress, and I am immensely grateful to all stakeholders for their unwavering support. We remain committed to making a meaningful impact, nurturing talent, and inspiring these young players to dream big alongside us. Through sports, we shape communities and create tomorrow's champions, both on and off the field.”Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Punjab Sports Minister said: “The energy and passion displayed by these players are truly unparalleled. These young kids come here with the dream of one day representing Pakistan. Witnessing this extensive program function successfully, I see a perfect alignment between discovering talent and providing opportunities. This synergy is crucial, particularly with prominent organizations like Lahore Qalandars and the University of Lahore stepping up to fulfill their roles. Together, they are transforming raw talent into stars for our nation. The collaboration between the University and Lahore Qalandars ensures that students can achieve their academic aspirations while also building a bright future in sports.”
Lake City Panthers win Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup
Faisalabad (PR) Lake City Panthers became the winners of the inaugural Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup as they beat UMT Markhors by five wickets in the final here at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Sunday evening. Out of a PKR49 million prize pot, the Shadab Khan-led Lake City Panthers bagged prize money of PKR30 million while the UMT Markhors collected the runners-up prize of PKR15 million.Panthers bundled out the Markhors, after they opted to bat first, for a mere 122-run total in 33.4 overs and then took just 18 overs to chase it down with five wickets in the bag as skipper Shadab Khan hit the winning six. Abdul Wahid Bangalzai top scored for Panthers with 41 off 43 balls hitting five fours and two sixes. Earlier, three wicket hauls by Arafat Minhas (3-1) and Mohammad Hasnain (3-38), who also finished with a tournament tally of 17 wickets, backed up by player of the match performance by Sajid Khan (2-24) dented the Markhors progress with the bat as they collapsed from 82-2 in 18.2 overs to 122 all out in 33.4 overs. Shadab and Ali Raza also picked up one wicket each. After Markhors copped two early blows with the scorecard reading 26-2 in 5.3 overs, Haseebullah (27, 48b, 3x4s) stitched a 56-run third-wicket partnership with Fakhar Zaman who top scored for the Markhors with 46 off 49 balls clubbing five fours and one six. Off-spinner Sajid got rid of both the set batters in 19th and 21st overs to spark a batting collapse as Markhors lost their last eight wickets in 15.2 overs. Apart from Haseebullah and Fakhar, only Bismillah Khan (16, 37b, 2x4s) reached double figures for Markhors. In turn, Panthers’ opening batters raced to 51 in 7.4 overs before Umar Siddiq departed for 19 with the help of three fours. Sajid (15, 13b, 2x4s, 1x6), promoted to bat at No.3, was the second batter to be dismissed as Markhors struck regular blows to reduce the Panthers from 51-1 to 94-5 in 15 overs. Usman Khan, who finished as the top run-scorer of the tournament with 272 runs in six games, only contributed 13 off eight balls hitting a four and a six. Rizwan Mehmood (16 not out, 12b, 3x4s) and Shadab (14, 9b, 1x4, 1x6) stitched a 29-run stand for the sixth wicket to take their team home safely.For Markhors, Mohammad Imran Jnr and Akif Javed picked up two wickets each while Shahnawaz Dahani dismissed one batter.Scores in briefFinal – Lake City Panthers beat UMT Markhors by five wickets UMT Markhors 122 all out, 33.4 overs (Fakhar Zaman 46, Haseebullah 27; Arafat Minhas 3-1, Mohammad Hasnain 3-38, Sajid Khan 2-24, Ali Raza 1-19, Shadab Khan 1-20) Lake City Panthers 123-5, 18 overs (Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 41, Umar Siddiq 19, Rizwan Mehmood 16 not out, Sajid Khan 15, Shadab Khan 14 not out; Mohammad Imran Jnr 2-11, Akif Javed 2-42) Bahria Town Player of the match: Sajid Khan (Lake City Panthers)Mentors’ choice Emerging Player of the Tournament: Ali Raza - Lake City Panthers (Four wickets)Trans Group Wicket-keeper of the Tournament: Usman Khan – Lake City Panthers (7 dismissals)Inverex Solar Energy energetic Batter of the Tournament: Usman Khan – Lake City Panthers (272 runs)Trans Group best Bowler of the Tournament: Mohammad Hasnain – Lake City Panthers (17 wickets)Bahria Town Player of the Tournament: Mohammad Hasnain – Lake City Panthers (17 wickets).
Aleem Dar to retire at the end of 2024-25 domestic season
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Aleem Dar, widely regarded as one of the world’s most respected and admired cricket umpires, will retire at the end of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s 2024-25 season, concluding a career that has spanned nearly a quarter of a century. A true gentleman both on and off the field, Aleem is also a three-time winner of the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year (2009-2011).The 56-year-old Aleem also enjoyed a playing career of 17 first-class and 18 List-A matches between 1986 and 1998, before he made his first-class umpiring debut during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. From 2003 to 2023, he served on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, where he earned a reputation for his player management skills, understanding of the playing conditions, calm demeanor and outstanding decision-making.He is currently part of the PCB’s Elite Panel and remains one of four Pakistani umpires on the ICC’s International Panel, making him eligible to officiate in ODIs and T20Is. To date, Aleem has officiated in a record-breaking 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, 72 T20Is, 5 WT20Is, 181 first-class matches, and 282 List-A matches.His contributions to the sport extend far beyond these numbers, with his professionalism and respectful manner making him a beloved figure worldwide.Reflecting on his decision to retire, Aleem Dar said: “Umpiring has been my life for nearly 25 years and I have cherished the privilege of officiating some of the most iconic matches involving the greatest players of this generation. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honour to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world. However, all great journeys must eventually come to an end, and the time has come for me to focus fully on my social and charity work. My hospital project and other initiatives are very close to my heart and require my full devotion and attention. Having achieved almost everything that I had aspired to in umpiring with the unwavering support of my peers and colleagues, I also feel it’s the right moment to step aside and allow emerging umpires to shine. It is my hope that they too will have the same opportunities to make their mark on the great game of cricket and represent Pakistan with pride.”
Babar sets Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup alight with sparkling century
PCB ReportFAISALABAD: Babar Azam smashed his 30th List-A century, becoming the first Pakistan batter to register 30 or more List-A centuries, as Allied Bank Stallions triumphed over Engro Dolphins by 174 runs here at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Thursday evening.For the second consecutive game Dolphins failed to chase a total as they followed their yesterday’s score of 192 all out by 97 all out in pursuit of the 272-run target.Stallions made it two out of three wins as they qualified for the playoff stage, along with UMT Markhors and Lake City Panthers, while the Dolphins faced their third consecutive defeat. Lions and Dolphins are fighting for the fourth place in the playoff stage and will face each other on 22 September.Babar hit an unbeaten 104 off 100 balls clubbing seven fours and three sixes including a boundary on penultimate ball of the innings to bring up his record century. Yasir Khan (46, 58b, 5x4s), Shan Masood (34, 36b, 3x4s) and Tayyab Tahir (33, 49b, 4x4s) were the other notable contributors. In turn, Mehran Mumtaz (3-14) and Jahandad Khan (3-18) picked up three wickets each as Dolphins fell for a paltry 97 in just 25 overs.After Stallions won the toss and elected to bat first, Shan and Yasir provided a solid opening partnership of 76 runs before falling in 13th and 17th overs, respectively. Babar and Tayyab stitched a 57-run third-wicket partnership before the latter fell in the 30th over.Husaain Talat chipped in with 23 off 25 balls with the help of two fours while also adding 46 with Babar for the fifth wicket. The eighth-wicket partnership between Babar and Haris Rauf stretched for 41 runs in 23 balls with the latter only contributing three runs. All six Dolphins bowlers picked up one wicket each.Jahandad’s three-wicket burst with the new ball left Dolphins at 40-3 before the other bowlers struck at regular intervals as they lost remaining seven wickets for just 57 runs. Abrar Ahmed dismissed the top scorers for Dolphins, Sahibzada Farhan (32, 36b, 6x4s) and Asif Ali (21, 28b, 3x4s). Haris Rauf bagged two wickets as well.Scores in brief (Allied Bank Stallions beat Engro Dolphins by 174 runs):Allied Bank Stallions 271-7, 50 overs (Babar Azam 104 not out, Yasir Khan 46, Shan Masood 34, Tayyab Tahir 33; Saud Shakeel 1-14, Qasim Akram 1-42, Faheem Ashraf 1-48)Engro Dolphins 97 all out, 25 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 32, Asif Ali 21; Mehran Mumtaz 3-14, Jahandad Khan 3-18, Abrar Ahmed 2-15, Haris Rauf 2-28)Player of the match: Babar Azam (Allied Bank Stallions)
Markhors overcome Stallions by 126 runs in Champion One-Day Cup
Zahid Mehmood (5 for 18) halts Stallions to achieve target, Markhors to face Dolphin on Sep 18PCB ReportFAISALABAD: UMT Markhors beat Allied Bank Stallions by 126 runs as the latter folded for 105 all out in 23.4 overs while chasing 232 runs in the fourth match of the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup on Sunday at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. Markhors will play their next match on 18 September against Dolphins.In a remarkable batting collapse the Stallions lost eight wickets for just 26 runs in a space of 54 balls as Zahid Mehmood (5-18) and Salman Ali Agha (3-21) ran through their batting line-up. Stallions were cruising at 79-2 requiring 153 runs from 211 balls but then lost their way. Zahid took just 4.4 overs to register his maiden List-A fiver-fer.Naseem Shah took first two wickets as Yasir Khan was caught behind in the 5th over while Shan Masood (19, 21b, 2x4s) chopped one on in 10th over to leave Stallions 52-2. Babar, the only Stallions batter other than Shan to enter double figures, looked in good touch for 45 off 44 balls accumulating eight boundaries but became Zahid’s first prey in 16th over.Earlier, Jahandad Khan’s career best List-A figures of 4-49 and Mehran Mumtaz’s 3-56 restricted the Markhors to 231 all out with 30 balls to spare. Markhors were reduced to 38-3 in in 8.2 overs with Fakhar Zaman (20, 24b, 2x4s), Mohammad Faizan (2, 8b) and Kamran Ghulam (11, 13b, 2x4s) back in the hut as Mohammad Ali, Jahandad and Abrar struck respectively, on regular intervals.Half-centuries from Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed brought the momentum back to the Markhors’ innings as the duo put on 65-run for the fifth-wicket partnership. Salman departed after scoring 51 off 72 balls with the help of three fours and one six with the scorecard reading 159-5.Iftikhar, batting at No.6, contributed 60 vital runs taking 66 balls as he hit eight boundaries. Abdul Samad (37, 35b, 5x4s, 1x6) and Iftikhar’s joint stand of 62 for the sixth-wicket meant that Markhors crossed 200-run mark but with Samad holing Mehran to long-on at the score of 221, the Stallions then took no time to wrap up the innings. Markhors lost their last five wickets for mere 10 runs as they managed 231 in 45 overs.Scores in brief (UMT Markhors beat Allied Bank Stallions by 126 runs)UMT Markhors 231 all out, 45 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 60, Salman Ali Agha 51, Abdul Samad 37, Mohammad Rizwan 33; Jahandad Khan 4-49, Mehran Mumtaz 3-56)Allied Bank Stallions 105 all out, 23.4 overs (Babar Azam 45, Shan Masood 19; Zahid Mehmood 5-18, Salman Ali Agha 3-21, Naseem Shah 2-24)Player of the match: Zahid Mehmood (UMT Markhors)
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