Markhors face first defeat of tournament as Lions register 35-run win
1. Rizwan-led side fails to chase down gigantic 368-run target and finishes innings on 332/9
The Markhors suffered their first loss in the Champions One-Day Cup, falling to the Lions by 35 runs on Friday at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.
Chasing a formidable target of 368, set by the Shaheen Afridi-led Lions after winning the toss, Mohammad Rizwan’s Markhors fell short, ending their innings at 332/9.
The Markhors had a promising start with Fakhar Zaman contributing 82 runs off 72 balls. However, the team's chances diminished after Rizwan was dismissed for just 20 runs. Abdul Samad briefly revived hope with a knock of 42 runs from 37 balls.
A resurgence came from Salman Ali Agha, who smashed 69 runs off 39 balls, hitting seven boundaries and four sixes, keeping the chase alive. However, after his dismissal, the Markhors, with only two wickets left, required 52 runs. Despite their efforts, they couldn't reach the target, taking the game to the final ball.
Earlier, the Lions posted an impressive 367/6 in their 50 overs, thanks to a commanding opening partnership of 110 runs between Abdullah Shafique (52 off 64) and Imam-ul-Haq (51 off 56). Zahid Mehmood dismissed both openers, but the Lions maintained their momentum with Omair Yousuf (30 off 33) and Mohammad Taha (31 off 37).
The game swung decisively in the Lions' favor when Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah unleashed a barrage of boundaries, adding a 147-run partnership. Irfan Khan shone with a remarkable 100 off 56 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes, while Khushdil hammered 73 off 45 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes. Mohammad Imran broke their stand by dismissing Khushdil, but the damage was done.
Playing XI:
**Lions:** Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Omair Yousuf, Mohammad Taha, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Aamer Yamin, Shaheen Afridi (captain), Mohammad Asghar, Sajjad Ali (wk), Ahmed Daniyal.
**Markhors:** Bismillah Khan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Imran, Zahid Mehmood, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Imran.
