The Stallions secured an emphatic 133-run win over the Lions in the second match of the Champions Cup in Faisalabad. Leading the charge were Babar Azam and Tayyab Tahir, both scoring impressive half-centuries to guide the Stallions to a massive total of 336 for 5 in Stallions vs Lions Champions Cup Match.
The Lions, despite Imam-ul-Haq’s resilient 78, struggled to keep pace in their chase, eventually crumbling to 203. With a strong all-round performance from the Stallions’ bowlers, led by Haris Rauf and Mohammad Ali, the Lions were left with little chance to recover.
Babar Azam and Tayyab Tahir Anchor Stallions’ Commanding Total
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Stallions’ captain Mohammad Haris set a strong foundation for his team’s batting. Though they got off to a cautious start, with Shan Masood and Babar Azam building a steady partnership of 39 runs, it wasn’t long before the Stallions picked up the pace. Left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram broke through with the wicket of Shan Masood, but that only brought Tayyab Tahir to the crease—a key turning point for Stallions.
Babar, after a slow start, quickly found his stride. His patient approach in the early overs gave way to some elegant stroke play, allowing him to notch up a crucial 76. On the other end, Tahir played a more aggressive hand, scoring 74 off just 72 balls. The pair added significant runs through the middle overs, guiding the team to a position of strength.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the final ten overs. With Babar and Tahir laying the foundation, Mohammad Haris and Hussain Talat capitalized, combining for a blistering partnership. Haris’ 55 and Talat’s quickfire 50 took the game away from the Lions, as the Stallions hammered 118 runs in the last 10 overs, ensuring a mammoth total of 336 for 5.
Lions’ Chase Falters Despite Imam-ul-Haq’s Lone Resistance
Facing a daunting target of 337, the Lions were under pressure right from the start. Mohammad Ali, who had been struggling in recent performances, struck early to remove wicketkeeper Sajjad Ali in the first over. Lions were rattled further when Ali dismissed Abdullah Shafique in his next spell, leaving the top order in tatters.
Imam-ul-Haq stood tall amidst the chaos, showing grit and determination to anchor the Lions’ innings. His 78 was a valiant effort, crafted with patient strokes and occasional boundaries to keep his side in the hunt. However, with wickets falling at regular intervals and the asking rate steadily rising, Imam’s efforts were not enough to rescue the Lions.
The Stallions’ bowling attack was disciplined throughout, with every bowler contributing to the demolition. Haris Rauf was especially effective, picking up 3 wickets for 43 runs, while Mohammad Ali’s 2 for 18 kept the Lions on the back foot. The game was all but over when Jahandad Khan trapped Imam in front, sealing the fate of the Lions.
Though Shaheen Afridi showed some resistance with a late cameo, including a few boundaries, the Lions limped past the 200-run mark before Rauf returned to dismiss both Shaheen and Sirajuddin in quick succession, wrapping up a convincing victory for the Stallions.
Stallions’ Bowlers Seal the Deal in a Clinical Display
The Stallions’ bowling performance was as dominant as their batting. With Mohammad Ali and Haris Rauf leading the attack, the Stallions put on a collective effort that never allowed the Lions to build any momentum. Ali’s double strike in the powerplay ensured Lions were always behind the game. The pressure created by Ali was capitalized on by Rauf, who removed key middle-order batters.
Jahandad Khan’s wicket of Imam-ul-Haq all but sealed the Lions’ fate, and from that point on, the chase turned into a formality. Every bowler chipped in with a wicket, underlining the team effort that helped the Stallions pull off a comfortable win. The Lions, despite a late fightback, fell short by a wide margin, handing the Stallions their second win of the tournament.
Key Players in the Stallions vs Lions Champions Cup Match
- Babar Azam: Top-scored for the Stallions with a well-paced 76, setting the foundation for a big total.
- Tayyab Tahir: Played an aggressive knock of 74 off 72 balls, accelerating the innings during the middle overs.
- Mohammad Haris and Hussain Talat: Contributed with explosive cameos towards the end, adding 118 runs in the final 10 overs.
- Haris Rauf: Led the bowling attack with 3 wickets for 43 runs, dismissing key players in the Lions’ lineup.
- Imam-ul-Haq: Fought a lone battle for the Lions with a gritty 78 but lacked support from the rest of the team.
