Stallions Thump Lions by 133 Runs in Champions Cup Opener
In a resounding victory at the Champions Cup in Faisalabad, Stallions crushed Lions by 133 runs, led by a dominant batting performance and a clinical bowling display.
Stallions captain Mohammad Haris opted to bat first, and the team’s openers, Shan Masood and Babar Azam, provided a solid foundation with a 39-run partnership. After Masood’s dismissal, Babar took charge, scoring a steady 76 runs to anchor the innings.
Tayyab Tahir’s blistering 74 off 72 balls propelled Stallions’ total, while Haris and Hussain Talat contributed valuable cameos towards the end. The team’s aggressive approach in the final ten overs yielded 118 runs, setting a daunting target of 336 for Lions.
Lions’ chase faltered from the outset as Mohammad Ali’s early wickets removed Sajjad Ali and Abdullah Shafique. Imam-ul-Haq emerged as the lone warrior, scoring a valiant 78, but the asking rate proved insurmountable.
Haris Rauf’s three wickets and Ali’s economical spell of 2 for 18 stifled Lions’ progress. Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite a late flurry with the bat, could not prevent his team’s collapse.
Stallions’ comprehensive victory was a testament to their collective strength. Babar Azam’s leadership, the contributions of multiple batters, and the effectiveness of their bowlers proved too much for Lions to overcome.
