Rawalpindi, 9 December 2024 – The ABL Stallions continued their winning streak in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup with a clinical 12-run victory over Nurpur Lions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With two wins in as many games, the Stallions now sit comfortably at the top of the points table, while the Lions face an uphill battle after suffering back-to-back defeats.
The game showcased a balanced performance from ABL Stallions, led by Hussain Talat’s unbeaten 51 and a stellar bowling effort spearheaded by Shoaib Malik, Usman Tariq, and Zaman Khan. Here’s how the action unfolded in yet another gripping T20 clash.
Stallions Bat First: Hussain Talat Anchors the Innings
Winning the toss, Nurpur Lions chose to bowl, hoping to exploit early pitch conditions. The Stallions didn’t have the best of starts, losing a couple of quick wickets. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going—and that’s exactly what Hussain Talat did.
Talat played the role of anchor with his unbeaten 51 off 36 balls, smashing five boundaries to stabilize the innings. He was brilliantly supported by the ever-reliable Shoaib Malik, who rolled back the years with a classy 39 off 30 balls.
The duo stitched an 88-run partnership for the fifth wicket, ensuring the Stallions posted a competitive total.
- Hussain Talat (51 not out): A captain’s knock under pressure.
- Shoaib Malik (39): Player, mentor, and match-winner—Malik did it all.
- Mohammad Haris (25 off 18): Injected energy with a six and two boundaries.
- Maaz Sadaqat (32 off 29): Showed promise with a solid start.
The Stallions finished at a respectable 162/5 in 20 overs, a score that seemed par but defendable on the slow Rawalpindi pitch. Musa Khan was the pick of the Lions’ bowlers, claiming 2-31.
Nurpur Lions’ Chase: A Tale of Twists and Missed Opportunities
Chasing 163 for victory, the Nurpur Lions needed a strong start but instead got off to a nightmare. Opener Zeeshan Malik departed for a three-ball duck, putting immediate pressure on the team.
However, Imam-ul-Haq (43 off 28) and Hasan Nawaz (30 off 25) steadied the ship with a well-constructed 71-run partnership. Imam looked particularly fluent, smashing four boundaries and a six before falling victim to Shoaib Malik’s clever bowling.
The middle order crumbled under pressure as Rohail Nazir and Muhammad Awais Zafar fell cheaply for 3 runs each, leaving the Lions with a steep task.
With the required rate climbing, Khushdil Shah (28) and Aamer Yamin (27 not out) brought some hope, taking the game down to the wire. However, ABL Stallions’ death-overs specialists stepped up:
- Mohammad Ali bowled a brilliant 19th over, conceding just 4 runs.
- Zaman Khan, the “death-over king,” held his nerve in the final over, giving away just 9 runs to seal the victory.
Despite Khushdil and Aamer’s late heroics, the Lions fell short, finishing at 150/7 in 20 overs.
Bowling Stars Shine for Stallions
The Stallions’ bowlers deserve credit for executing their plans to perfection. The trio of Shoaib Malik (2-23), Usman Tariq (2-23), and Zaman Khan (2-38) took crucial wickets and kept the scoring in check, ensuring the Lions never gained full control of the chase.
- Shoaib Malik: Experienced and reliable, his two key wickets turned the game in Stallions’ favor.
- Zaman Khan: Death-over maestro who closed the game like a true pro.
- Usman Tariq: Consistent lines and lengths helped keep the pressure on the Lions.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
- Talat-Malik Partnership: A crucial 88-run stand that rescued the Stallions’ innings.
- Imam’s Dismissal: Imam-ul-Haq’s wicket was the turning point, triggering a collapse.
- Death Bowling Brilliance: Mohammad Ali and Zaman Khan’s superb final overs shut the door on the Lions.
Match Summary
ABL Stallions: 162/5 in 20 overs
- Hussain Talat: 51* (36)
- Shoaib Malik: 39 (30)
- Maaz Sadaqat: 32 (29)
Nurpur Lions: 150/7 in 20 overs
- Imam-ul-Haq: 43 (28)
- Hasan Nawaz: 30 (25)
- Khushdil Shah: 28 (20)
Player of the Match: Shoaib Malik (2-23 and 39 runs)
FAQs
ABL Stallions defeated Nurpur Lions by 12 runs, securing their second consecutive win.
Shoaib Malik was named Player of the Match for his 39 runs and bowling figures of 2-23.
Hussain Talat scored an unbeaten 51 off 36 balls, anchoring the Stallions’ innings.
ABL Stallions are now at the top of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup points table with two wins in two games.
Conclusion
The Nurpur Lions vs ABL Stallions clash showcased yet another dominant performance from the Stallions. With Hussain Talat’s 51, Shoaib Malik’s all-round brilliance, and superb death bowling from Zaman Khan, the Stallions proved why they’re the team to beat.
For the Lions, it’s back to the drawing board. Despite bright performances from Imam-ul-Haq and Khushdil Shah, their inability to close out the chase cost them dearly.
With two wins in two games, the ABL Stallions are flying high at the top of the table. Can they maintain their winning streak? Stay tuned as the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup continues to deliver thrilling cricket action.
