Shahid’s fiery spell steers Lions to emphatic win

RAWALPINDI: Fast bowler Shahid Aziz delivered a fiery spell bagging four wickets while skipper Imam-ul-Haq and Hasan Nawaz hammered commanding forties to steer the Nurpur Lions to a dominant eight-wicket victory over the Lake City Panthers here at Pindi Stadium Wednesday.

Defending a modest 124-run target, Lions chased it down effortlessly in just 14.3 overs, losing only two wickets. Shahid’s devastating 4-20 had earlier restricted Panthers to 123 all out in 19.2 overs, setting the stage for a comprehensive win.

Imam and Hasan laid the foundation with a blazing 79-run opening stand in just 9.1 overs. Hasan’s explosive 44 off 31 balls included three massive sixes and four boundaries, while Imam anchored the chase with a composed 45 off 38 balls, laced with five boundaries.

Pakistan Under-19 star Shahzaib Khan added the finishing touches, smashing an unbeaten 28 off 17 balls, which featured two sixes and a four. With this win, Lions got off the mark in the five-team competition after two earlier losses, while Panthers slumped to their second defeat in three matches.

Put in to bat, Panthers faced early setbacks as opener Sharjeel Khan departed for just five. Umar Siddiq (28) and Haider Ali (26) offered some resistance with a 45-run stand but a sensational middle-order collapse -- triggered by Shahid, Khushdil Shah (2-26), and Musa Khan (2-32) -- saw them crumble from 62-1 to 99-6.

Danish Aziz provided a late flourish with a gutsy 34 off 27 balls, helping his side limp to 123. However, the total proved inadequate against a determined Lions lineup. This emphatic performance from Lions has not only revived their campaign but also sent a strong message to their competitors in the tournament.

Scores in brief: Lake City Panthers 123 all out in 19.2 overs (Danish Aziz 34, Haider Ali 26, Umar Siddiq 26; Shahid Aziz 4-20, Khushdil Shah 2-26, Musa Khan 2-32). Nurpur Lions 126-2 in 14.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 45, Hasan Nawaz 44, Shahzaib Khan 28 not out). Player of the match: Shahid Aziz (Nurpur Lions). Today’s fixtures: ABL Stallions vs UMT Markhors at Pindi Stadium (11am); Engro Dolphins vs Nurpur Lions at Pindi Stadium (3pm).