The Champions T20 Cup witnessed thrilling action today as Markhors and Stallions registered emphatic victories over Panthers and Dolphins respectively at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In the first match of the day, Markhors chased down Panthers' total with ease, securing a six-wicket win.
After being asked to bat first, Panthers posted 155/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opening batter Umar Siddiq top-scored for his team with 41 off 34 balls, while Arafat Minhas contributed a steady 34 off 24 balls and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai added 24 runs.
The Markhors bowlers were disciplined, with Imran Jr leading the charge, taking 3/35 in his four-over spell.
Mohammad Nawaz, Saad Masood and Nisar Ahmad each picked up one wicket, limiting the Panthers to a below-par total.
In response, Markhors comfortably chased down the target in 13.3 overs, losing four wickets along the way.
Mohammad Imran was the hero of the chase, remaining unbeaten on 64 from 34 deliveries, while Fakhar Zaman contributed a solid 49 off 28 balls.
Abdul Samad played a blistering knock, scoring 34 runs off just nine balls, including five sixes.
- STALLIONS VS DOLPHINS -
In the second match, the Stallions cruised to a six-wicket victory over the Dolphins, with key performances from Mohammad Ali and skipper Mohammad Haris.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Dolphins were bowled out for a modest total of 131 in 20 overs.
Qasim Akram was the top scorer for his team, making 40 off 34 balls, while Faheem Ashraf and Abbas Afridi contributed 26 and 21 runs, respectively.
However, three Dolphins batters were dismissed for ducks, leaving their total well short.
Mohammad Ali was the standout bowler for the Stallions, registering exceptional figures of 4/15, which included a maiden.
He was well supported by Hussain Talat, who took 3 wickets, and Zaman Khan, who picked up two wickets.
Chasing the target, the Stallions lost four wickets but reached the target in 14 overs.
Skipper Mohammad Haris played a crucial knock as he remained unbeaten on 52 from 30 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six.
He was well supported by openers Yasir Khan (32) and Maaz Sadaqat (28).
Dolphins' Mohammad Rameez Jr. claimed two wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Abbas took one each.
- Fakhar Zaman