Fabulous Fakhar guides Markhors to T20 Cup final

RAWALPINDI: Fakhar Zaman’s (89) powerful knock helped UMT Markhors showcase a dominating performance to storm into the final of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup with 29-run win over Nurpur Lions in the qualifier here at Pindi Stadium Monday.

Markhors will lock horns against Allied Bank Stallions in the event’s final. In a virtual semi-final (qualifiers), Fakhar Zamn’s innings proved decisive as he ensured a competitive 180-6 in 20 overs. Lions struggled all the way, ending up at 151-9. The final will now be played on December 25.

Pakistan discard Fakhar Zaman’s entertaining knock was the highlight of the day as he struck five sixes and nine fours in his 64-ball knock. For Markhors, it was the worst start as Afaq Afridi, who started his career with the dream start a few days back, ripped apart the top-order batting removing Khawaja Nafay (0), Mohammad Faizan (0) and Imran Randhawa (1) to leave Markhors struggling at 23-3 before Fakhar cut lose to snatch the initiative back. Fakhar Zaman who was adjudged Man of the Match was seen hammering fours and sixes to unsettle Lions bowlers.

Fakhar added 30 for the fourth wicket with Iftikhar Ahmed who scored 14. Mohammad Nawaz (ten) helped add another 35 with Fakhar, but the real impetus was given through an 82-run stand for the sixth wicket between Fakhar and Abdul Samad.

Samad cracked two sixes and five boundaries in his 20-ball 41 not out. Afaq finished with 3-29 while left-arm pacer Shahab Khan took 2-36. Lions were never in the hunt after losing openers Imam-ul-Haq to a run out for one and Omair Bin Yousuf for two. Hasan Nawaz, who scored a 22-ball 27 with two sixes and a boundary, added 62 for the third wicket with Mohammad Taha who scored a quick 28-ball 44 with the help of four sixes and a boundary. But the innings fell apart once they departed.

Akif Javed finished with 3-22 and Nisar Ahmed 2-19. The defeat means Lions finished the five-team event with third position. Lake City Panthers finished fourth and Engro Dolphins fifth and last.

Scores in brief: Qualifier -- UMT Markhors beat Nurpur Lions by 29 runs: UMT Markhors 180-6 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 89, Abdul Samad 41; Afaq Afridi 3-29, Shahab Khan 2-36). Nurpur Lions 151-9 in 20 overs (Mohammad Taha 44, Hasan Nawaz 27, Musa Khan 26 not out; Akif Javed 3-22, Nisar Ahmed 2-19). Player of the match: Fakhar Zaman (UMT Markhors).