Islamabad, Dec 24: Fakhar Zaman, the previously sidelined batter, emerged as the hero as Markhors secured a 29-run victory over Lions in the Qualifier of the Champions T20 Cup at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, booking their place in the final.
Fakhar’s brilliant innings was complemented by a strong bowling performance from Akif Javed, which played a crucial role in the victory. Markhors will now face Stallions in the final on Wednesday.
After being put to bat, Markhors faced early setbacks, losing three wickets for just 23 runs.
Afaq Afridi, continuing his excellent form from his previous hat-trick performance, took two wickets in his second over, dismissing Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Mohammad Faizan for ducks, and Muhammad Imran for just one.
Despite the early collapse, Fakhar Zaman delivered a masterclass, scoring 89 runs off 64 balls, including five sixes and nine boundaries.
He rebuilt the innings with key partnerships, adding 30 runs with Iftikhar Ahmed (14) and 35 runs with Mohammad Nawaz (10).
The turning point came when he shared an explosive 82-run partnership with Abdul Samad, who contributed an unbeaten 41 off 20 balls. Markhors ended their innings at 180-6.
Afridi was the best bowler for Lions, taking 3-29, while Shahab Khan claimed 2-36.
Lions’ chase started poorly, losing both openers, Imam-ul-Haq (run out for one) and Omair Bin Yousuf (two), within the first three overs.
Despite a brief recovery with a 62-run partnership between Mohammad Taha and Hasan Nawaz for the third wicket, the Lions never regained control.
Taha top-scored with 44 off 28 balls, including four sixes and one boundary, while Nawaz contributed 27 off 22 balls. Musa Khan’s late unbeaten 26 offered some resistance, but the Lions were eventually restricted to 151-9.
Akif Javed was the standout bowler for Markhors, taking 3-22, with Nisar Ahmed adding 2-19.
With the win, Markhors advanced to the Champions T20 Cup final against Stallions, who qualified directly as the table-toppers. Lions finished in third place, while Panthers and Dolphins took fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The final is set to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament and could also offer Fakhar Zaman an opportunity to reclaim his spot in the national team, especially given Pakistan’s struggles with their top-order batting.
