Shadab leads Panthers to victory over Lions

LAHORE: Panthers defeated Lions by 84 runs in the fifth match of the Champions One-Day Cup at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, on Monday.

Defending a total of 283, Shadab Khan’s side bowled out Lions for 199, securing their second win of the tournament. The Panthers’ bowling attack, led by Shadab and Usama Mir, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Lions’ chase. Both spinners claimed three wickets each.

The Lions’ innings got off to a disastrous start when Sajjad Ali was dismissed for a duck by Mohammad Hasnain in the first over. Abdullah Shafique soon followed, trapped lbw by Amad Butt for just 1 run, leaving the team reeling at 8-2.

Imam-ul-Haq attempted to anchor the innings with a well-made 60 off 62 balls, striking five boundaries and two sixes, but he was eventually dismissed by Shadab Khan. Despite Imam’s effort, the rest of the Lions’ batting lineup struggled to build partnerships. Omair Yousuf added 20 quick runs before being run out by Hasnain, while Irfan Khan contributed 35 from 50 balls before being stumped off Usama Mir’s bowling.

Khushdil Shah made a brief impact, scoring 22 off 32 balls, but he fell to Amad Butt, further compounding the Lions’ woes. The lower order, including Aamer Yamin (10), Shaheen Shah Afridi (0), and Ahmed Daniyal (16), failed to provide any substantial resistance. A late surge by Sirajuddin, who hit two sixes in his 19 off 13 balls, was not enough.

Earlier, after winning the toss, Panthers had a shaky start with their top order struggling against the Lions’ bowling attack. Azan Awais and Saim Ayub were dismissed cheaply, and by the 4th over, Panthers were 31-3.

A match-defining 144-run partnership between Mubasir Khan and Haider Ali rescued Panthers. Mubasir played a brilliant knock of 90 from 97 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. Haider Ali provided crucial support, scoring 84 off 99 balls with 5 boundaries and 3 sixes.