Stallions sink Lions to top points table

RAWALPINDI: ABL Stallions Monday stormed to the top of points table in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup with an electrifying 12-run victory over the Nurpur Lions here at Pindi Stadium, marking their second consecutive triumph in as many matches.

Stallions set a challenging target of 162-5, powered by Hussain Talat’s composed 36-ball 51. Talat, after his maiden T20 hundred against Lake City Panthers, showcased his class yet again, forming a pivotal 88-run partnership with Shoaib Malik, who chipped in with a 30-ball 39. Mohammad Haris and Maaz Sadaqat also added crucial runs to propel the innings.

Defending the target, Stallions’ bowlers delivered under pressure. Shoaib Malik, Usman Tariq, and Zaman Khan each took two wickets, effectively neutralizing the Lions’ batting threat. Zaman, a death-overs specialist, conceded only nine runs in the final over to seal the win.

Lions’ chase faltered early, with Zeeshan Malik dismissed for a duck. Despite a spirited 71-run stand between Imam-ul-Haq (43 off 28) and Hasan Nawaz (30 off 25), the middle order crumbled under the rising asking rate. A late surge from Khushdil Shah (28) and Aamer Yamin (27 not out off 24) wasn’t enough as the Stallions’ bowlers held their nerve in the crunch moments.

This victory solidifies the Stallions’ position as the team to beat in the tournament. While the Lions remain winless, Lake City Panthers and UMT Markhors trail behind with one win each, and Engro Dolphins are yet to open their account.

With consistent performances from their stars and clinical execution under pressure, the ABL Stallions are rapidly emerging as title contenders. Scores in brief: Allied Bank Stallions 162-5 in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 51 not out, Shoaib Malik 39, Maaz Sadaqat 32, Mohammad Haris 25; Musa Khan 2-31). Nurpur Lions 150-7 in 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 43, Hasan Nawaz 30, Khushdil Shah 28, Aamer Yamin 27; Shoaib Malik 2-23, Usman Tariq 2-23, Zaman Khan 2-38).