The Stallions claimed their second consecutive win in the Champions T20 Cup, defeating the Lions by 12 runs to move to the top of the points table. Powered by a crucial unbeaten knock of 51 runs off 36 balls by Hussain Talat and a disciplined bowling performance, the Stallions defended their total of 162-5, restricting the Lions to 150-7 in 20 overs.
Sent in to bat, the Stallions recovered from early setbacks with Hussain Talat leading the charge. His knock, which included five boundaries, was supported by an 88-run partnership with Shoaib Malik, who contributed a steady 39 off 30 balls. Maaz Sadaqat added 32 off 29 balls, while Mohammad Haris chipped in with a quick 25. Pacer Musa Khan was the standout bowler for the Lions, finishing with figures of 2-31.
Chasing 163, the Lions endured a shaky start as Zeeshan Malik was dismissed for a three-ball duck. However, Imam-ul-Haq (43 off 28) and Hasan Nawaz (30 off 25) steadied the innings with a 71-run stand. Despite their efforts, the middle order faltered, with Rohail Nazir and Muhammad Awais Zafar falling cheaply.
A late surge by Khushdil Shah (28) and Aamer Yamin (27* off 24) gave the Lions hope, but the Stallions’ bowlers held their nerve. Mohammad Ali’s tight penultimate over, conceding just four runs, left the Lions needing 26 off the final 12 balls. Zaman Khan, known for his expertise in death overs, sealed the win by giving away only nine runs in the last over.
The Stallions’ bowlers delivered a balanced performance, with Shoaib Malik, Usman Tariq, and Zaman Khan each taking two wickets. The Lions, now winless in two games, face an uphill battle in the tournament. Meanwhile, the Stallions sit atop the table, followed by the Lake City Panthers with one win and one loss. UMT Markhors have won their only match, while Engro Dolphins are yet to secure a victory.
Hussain Talat’s consistent form, following his century in the previous game against the Panthers, has been instrumental in the Stallions’ success, making them early favorites in the tournament.