Ton-up Yasir helps Stallions scoop Champions T20 Cup

RAWALPINDI: Yasir Khan’s (100 not out) exciting century backed by a resilient display of accurate bowling helped ABL Stallions lift the Bahria Town Champions Cup T20 title here at the Pindi Stadium Wednesday.

A powerful hitting display by Bannu-born Yasir (100 not out) virtually made the final a one-sided affair as UMT Markhors were never seen in the hunt of 200-run winning target, ultimately ending up at 124 all out, conceding a heavy 75 runs defeat at the end.

While Yasir was ruthless with his batting, Mohammad Ali (3-19), Usman Tariq (2-10) and Jahandad Khan (2-31) then ripped apart Markhors’ innings bowling the team out for just 124. Mohammad Faizan (43), Iftikhar Ahnad (22) and FakharZaman (20) were the only notable run-getters for Markhors.

Man of the Match Yasir’s maiden T20 hundred saw Stallions set up an imposing 199-5 total as Stallions elected to bat first. His 57-ball unbeaten century was studded with five sixes and seven fours. More importantly his innings kept Stallions hopes of reaching a big total alive.

“All I wanted was to hit a T20 hundred. Thank Allah almighty I succeeded in that. I have worked hard to reach here and I will continue to pursue my dreams,” Yasir said. “I told my mentor Shoaib Malik yesterday that I will go on to score hundred and I achieved that.”

Though no other reasonable contributions came from the other end, Yasir kept up a sole charge, striking fours and sixes to make Markhors’ bowlers pay for every loose ball. Mohammad Haris (21) and Tayyab Tahir (17) gave him some company during middle overs. It was all-rounder Jahandad Khan (22 not out) whose 10-ball knock helped Yasir take Stallions to 199.

It was a real struggle for Markhors bowlers with Akif Javed (2-32) being the pick of bowlers. Stallions filled their line-up with four leading cricketers who just returned from national duties in South Africa. Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir.

All were seen contributing one way or the other to make Stallions’ day. Mohammad Ali was declared Man of the Tournament as he picked up 22 wickets and was outstanding throughout the event. Mohammad Haris received the winning trophy and cash reward of Rs15 million from Chief Guest Federal Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar. Iftikhar Ahmad received the runners-up trophy and Rs10 million cash prize.

Scores in brief: ABL Stallions beat UMT Markhors by 75 runs: ABL Stallions 199-5 in 20 overs (Yasir Khan 100, Jahandad Khan 22 not out, Mohammad Haris 21; Akif Javed 2-32). UMT Markhors 124 all out in 19.1 overs (Mohammad Faizan 43, Iftikhar Ahmed 22, Fakhar Zaman 20; Mohammad Ali 3-19, Usman Tariq 2-10, Jahandad Khan 2-31). Player of the Final: Yasir Khan (ABL Stallions).

Player of the Tournament: Mohammad Ali (ABL Stallions). Best Batter of the Tournament: Hussain Talat (ABL Stallions). Best Bowler of the Tournament: Mohammad Ali (ABL Stallions).