In a thrilling Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator, Lions emerged victorious over Stallions by a narrow margin of 12 runs, thanks to an all-round performance from Ahmed Daniyal and a crucial three-wicket haul from Khushdil Shah.
Lions’ batting innings got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 43 runs. However, Sharoon Siraj and Mohammad Taha steadied the ship with a 77-run partnership. Stallions fought back, reducing Lions to 140 for 7. But Daniyal and Aamer Yamin counterattacked with an 81-run stand, propelling Lions to a respectable total of 263 for 9. Daniyal remained unbeaten on 65, while Ubaid Shah was the standout bowler for Stallions with 3 for 46.
Stallions’ chase began promisingly with an opening partnership of 64 between Yasir Khan and Maaz Sadaqat. However, Khushdil Shah’s double strike, dismissing both Sadaqat and Adil Amin, put Stallions on the back foot. Tayyab Tahir and Hussain Talat threatened to revive the chase with a 69-run partnership, but Daniyal’s intervention broke their momentum.
Stallions captain Mohammad Haris and Jahanad Khan provided a late surge, but Lions held their nerve, taking wickets at regular intervals. With 23 runs needed off the last two overs and only two wickets in hand, Stallions fell short, finishing on 251. Khushdil and Daniyal were the heroes for Lions, claiming three wickets each.
Lions will now face Markhors in the second Eliminator on Friday, with the winner advancing to the final against Panthers on Sunday.
