Markhors go on top in T20 Cup

RAWALPINDI: Pindi Stadium witnessed two exciting encounters on Thursday as UMT Markhors edged past ABL Stallions by three runs in a nail-biter, while Nurpur Lions roared to a commanding 35-run victory.

The contrasting wins on the sixth day of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup propelled Markhors to the top of the five-team standings. Batting first, UMT Markhors set a competitive total of 170-6, spearheaded by opener Fakhar Zaman’s blazing 39 off 32 balls, which included a six and five boundaries. Fakhar, alongside Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (36), forged a solid 74-run opening partnership.

Middle-order contributions were key, with Muhammad Shahzad adding 28 off 25, and the experienced Mohammad Nawaz smashing an unbeaten 28 off just 13 balls. Usman Tariq (2-20) and Tahir Hussain (2-36) stood out for ABL Stallions with the ball. In response, ABL Stallions were anchored by a stunning knock from Maaz Sadaqat, who struck 82 off 53 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and two sixes.

A 59-run stand with Mohammad Haris (22 off 16) kept the Stallions in contention, but a dramatic collapse from 127-2 in the 15th over to 142-6 left them needing 19 runs in the final over.

Despite Maaz’s heroics, fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr held his nerve, conceding 15 runs to seal Markhors’ third consecutive win, handing Stallions their first loss of the tournament. In the second match, Nurpur Lions scored 194-5 in 20 overs against Engro Dolphins.

Their skipper Imam-ul-Haq knocked a brilliant 48-ball 65 and Hasan Nawaz hit 34-ball 50 in a solid 100-run partnership in 11.3 overs. Hasan, smashed three sixes and four boundaries while Imam’s knock had seven boundaries and a six.

Khushdil Shah, batting at No.5, blasted an unbeaten 22-ball 57 not out with six maximums and two boundaries as Nurpur Lions added a big 64 in the last five overs. Dolphins’ Qasim Akram picked up three wickets for 21 runs in his four overs.

In reply, Sahibzada Farhan and Mirza Tahir Baig gave Dolphins a robust start of 57 in six overs. Tahir fell for 29 off 16 balls laced with a six and three boundaries. Muhammad Akhlaq fell without scoring. Farhan then added 51 for the third wicket with Umar Amin who made a 19-ball 25 with two fours and a six. But once Farhan fell for 54 off 42 balls including three sixes and as many boundaries the chase fell apart.

Skipper Faheem Ashraf tried valiantly with a cameo of 12-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours but the asking rate soared beyond 15 an over. Fast bowler Musa Khan was the pick of bowlers with 4-23 while Khushdil and Shahid Aziz fetched two wickets apiece.

Lions have now won two of their four matches while Dolphins are winless in three outings. Scores in brief: UMT Markhors beat ABL Stallions by three runs: UMT Markhors 170-6 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 39, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 36, Mohammad Nawaz 28 not out, Muhammad Shahzad 28; Usman Tariq 2-20, Tahir Hussain 2-36). ABL Stallions 167-6 in 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 82, Mohammad Haris 22; Nisar Ahmed 3-23). Player of the match - Nisar Ahmed (UMT Markhors).

Nurpur Lions beat Engro Dolphins by 35 runs: Nurpur Lions 194-5 in 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 65, Khushdil Shah 57 not out, Hasan Nawaz 50; Qasim Akram 3-21). Engro Dolphins 159 all out in 19.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 54, Mirza Tahir Baig 29, Faheem Ashraf 27, Umar Amin 25; Musa Khan 4-23, Khushdil Shah 2-22, Shahid Aziz 2-35).

Player of the match -- Khushdil Shah (Nurpur Lions). Today’s fixtures: Allied Bank Stallions vs Engro Dolphins, Pindi Stadium (11am); Lake City Panthers vs UMT Markhors, Pindi Stadium (3.30pm).