Irfan guides Lions to victory in Champions Cup

LAHORE: Muhammad Irfan Khan’s blistering maiden century powered the Nurpur Lions to their first victory in the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup as they defeated UMT Markhors by 35 runs at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

This win keeps the Lions’ playoff hopes alive as they prepare for their next game against the Engro Dolphins. Irfan’s unbeaten century came off just 56 balls with 10 sixes and five fours. He guided the Lions to a formidable total of 368-5.

His 147-run fifth-wicket partnership with Khushdil Shah (73 off 45 balls) was pivotal, with the Lions amassing 124 runs in the final 10 overs.

Earlier, openers Abdullah Shafique (52) and Imam-ul-Haq (51) laid a solid foundation with a 110-run partnership, setting the stage for the Lions’ aggressive finish. Khushdil’s innings, highlighted by four boundaries and five sixes, further boosted their total. In reply, the Markhors put up a strong fight, scoring 332-9 in their 50 overs. Fakhar Zaman led the charge with an impressive 82 off 77 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes. He shared an 88-run opening partnership with Bismillah Khan (20) but regular wickets kept the Markhors in check.

Despite efforts from Salman Ali Agha (69) and Abdul Samad (42), the Markhors fell short of the target. Aamer Yamin, Ahmed Daniyal, Khushdil Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi each took two wickets.

Scores in brief: Nurpur Lions 367-6 in 50 overs (Muhammad Irfan Khan 100 not out, Khushdil Shah 73, Abdullah Shafique 52, Imam-ul-Haq 51, Mohammad Taha 31, Omair Bin Yousuf 30, Zahid Mehmood 2-49).

UMT Markhors 332-9 in 50 overs (Fakhar Zaman 82, Salman Ali Agha 69, Abdul Samad 42; Aamer Yamin 2-54, Ahmed Daniyal 2-66, Khushdil Shah 2-67, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-86). Player of the match: Muhammad Irfan Khan (UMT Markhors).