In the exciting Champions One-Day Cup, Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah from Lions team showed astounding performances. Khan scored a fast-paced 100 runs, while Shah impressed with his all-round skills. This resulted in a solid 35-run victory against Markhors, the previously undefeated leaders. Lions’ first win proved the pattern of those batting first, leading to a victory. With Khan’s speedy century and Shah’s skilful handling of bat and ball, they overwhelmed Markhors. Despite a spirited start by Markhors, they couldn’t keep up with the 368 run target. This was due to crucial strikes by Lions’ bowlers that hindered Markhors chase.
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Solid Start for Lions: Openers Lay the Foundation
The opening partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq steadied the innings for Lions as both of them contributed fifties. The opening duo secured a solid 110-run partnership, with the opening wicket falling at a pretty decent run rate enabling the middle-order batters to further their favorable position in the match. Shafique’s 52 and Imam’s 51 allowed the Lions to keep up a healthy run rate in the initial phase of the innings.
Just when the partnership started to look ominous, Zahid Mahmood took back-to-back wickets to send both openers back in quick succession. The setback was followed by the wickets of Omair Yousuf and Mohammad Taha, who chipped in with scores in the 30s but failed to convert their starts into big scores. At 181 for 4, the Lions seemed to be losing momentum.
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Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah’s Explosive Partnership
At this juncture, Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah got together for an association that would alter the course of events. The partnership between these two for the fall of the fifth wicket was nothing less than spectacular. The two associates added 147 runs off just 80 balls, and the Lions, in consequence, were in a commanding position.
The highlight of the innings was Irfan Khan’s ton. A calculated aggression, 56-ball ton with 12 fours and four sixes. On-form Khushdil’s 73 off 45 accompanied Irfan to keep the bowlers in check for Markhors. The aggressive stroke play from them helped Lions cross 350 in the 45th over. Irfan accelerated even more towards the end of the innings to smash two sixes and two fours off his last 10 deliveries, which ensured Lions finished their innings at a formidable 367 for 6.
Fakhar Zaman Starts Well, but Markhors Struggle to Keep Up
Markhors commenced their pursuit purposefully. Fakhar Zaman was in the frontline, scoring an impressive 82, as a response to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s opening spell, which didn’t pack a punch. The Markhors swiftly scored 80 runs in the powerplay, leaving the Lions’ bowlers much to contemplate. Despite this, the Lions reined in the game through Ahmed Daniyal, who got two major wickets, resulting in Bismillah Khan and Kamran Ghulam’s removal shortly one after another. Such vital strikes slowed the Markhors, escalating pressure.
Khushdil Shah’s Crucial Strikes Halt Markhors
While Fakhar Zaman remained aggressive, Khushdil Shah created more impact with the ball. He first removed Fakhar, caught behind, and then a razor-sharp caught-and-bowled chance sent Iftikhar Ahmed back into the hut. These wickets further pegged Markhors back, now reeling at 176 needed from 108 balls.
If that was not enough, captain Mohammad Rizwan found himself run out for 20, which further dented their hopes of a successful chase. The required rate continued to climb, even with handy contributions from Abdul Samad, 42 off 36 balls, and Salman Agha, 69 off 37 balls.
READ MORE: Samson’s Unbeaten 89 Powers India D to 306/5 Against India B in Duleep Trophy
Lions Bowlers Hold Their Nerve
In the process, Lions’ bowlers slowly started to tighten the screws. Aamer Yamin and Shaheen Shah Afridi came back strong to pick up vital wickets at the death. Yamin’s 2 for 54 sealed the win for Lions alongside Afridi’s controlled bowling in the final overs. Both the bowlers had dismissed set batters – Samad and Salman – who had been Markhors’ last hope of staging a successful chase.
Markhors eventually collapsed to 332 for 9, 35 runs short of the requirement. This win ended Markhors’ unbeaten run and gave Lions much-needed momentum in the Champions One-Day Cup table.
Conclusion
Game changers Irfan Khan and his astounding hundred, Khushdil Shah with his double-duty performance, turning the tables for the Lions versus Markhors. Their fantastic 147-run teamwork for the fifth wicket was a game changer, setting a high target. Markhors’ hitters were brave but Lions’ pitchers made the difference. They grabbed 35-run win at the right times. It’s a clear message in the Champions One-Day Cup: teamwork pays off, as does consistent pressure from the pitch. With this initial win, the Lions didn’t just gather speed. They showed, watch out, we’re a force in this competition.
