The highly anticipated Champions T20 Cup 2024/25 commenced with an electrifying clash between the Lions (Pakistan) and Markhors (Pakistan) on December 7, 2024, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Markhors began their campaign on a winning note, defeating the Lions by four wickets in a closely contested match. This opening encounter set the tone for the tournament, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance and grit.
Match Highlights:
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Toss: Markhors won and elected to field first.
- Result: Markhors won by 4 wickets (with six balls to spare).
- Player of the Match: Saad Masood (Markhors) for his outstanding all-round performance (26* off 16 and 2/20).
First Innings: Lions Struggle to Capitalize
The Lions, put into bat first, managed a total of 150/7 in their 20 overs. Their innings started on a shaky note, with Zeeshan Malik (4 off 11) falling early to Nisar Ahmad. Skipper Imam-ul-Haq added 13 runs off 12 balls, but his dismissal left the Lions struggling to build momentum.
Hasan Nawaz played a quickfire knock of 22 off 13 balls, but it was Awais Zafar who steadied the ship with an unbeaten 40 off 34 deliveries, including 5 fours. His innings gave the Lions hope of defending their total. Rohail Nazir contributed 16 runs off 15 balls, while Shahid Aziz added fireworks at the end with a six-ball 11, helping the team to a respectable total.
Lions’ Scorecard:
- Awais Zafar: 40* (34 balls, 5 fours)
- Hasan Nawaz: 22 (13 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- Rohail Nazir: 16 (15 balls, 2 fours)
- Extras: 17 (b 4, lb 3, w 10)
Markhors’ Bowling Performance:
- Nisar Ahmad: 4 overs, 2/21
- Saad Masood: 3 overs, 2/20
- Mohammad Nawaz: 2 overs, 1/19
- Mohammad Sarwar: 3 overs, 1/11
The Markhors bowlers were disciplined, with Nisar Ahmad and Saad Masood leading the charge. They picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals, preventing the Lions from accelerating in the middle overs.
Second Innings: Markhors’ Steady Chase
Chasing a target of 151, the Markhors had a cautious start, losing Khawaja Nafy for a duck in the very first over. Fakhar Zaman played an impactful knock of 28 off 25 balls, which included 3 boundaries and a six, setting the platform for the chase.
The middle-order contributions were vital, with captain Iftikhar Ahmed anchoring the innings with a composed 42 off 34 balls*. His steady presence at the crease ensured that the required run rate was kept in check. Saad Masood, who was later named Player of the Match, delivered a match-winning cameo, smashing 26 off 16 balls*, including 2 boundaries and a six, to finish the game in style.
Markhors’ Scorecard:
- Iftikhar Ahmed: 42* (34 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes)
- Fakhar Zaman: 28 (25 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
- Saad Masood: 26* (16 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)
- Extras: 16 (lb 5, nb 1, w 10)
Lions’ Bowling Performance:
- Mohammad Salman: 4 overs, 3/21
- Shahid Aziz: 4 overs, 1/27
- Aamer Yamin: 3 overs, 1/29
Despite early breakthroughs by Mohammad Salman, who finished with impressive figures of 3/21, the Lions couldn’t contain the Markhors’ middle-order assault. Shahid Aziz bowled economically, but the lack of support from the other bowlers allowed the Markhors to chase the target with an over to spare.
Key Performers:
- Saad Masood (Markhors): A complete performance with both bat and ball. His crucial two wickets in the first innings and a rapid unbeaten knock in the second innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Iftikhar Ahmed (Markhors): Displayed remarkable composure under pressure, anchoring the chase with a captain’s knock.
- Nisar Ahmad (Markhors): Played a pivotal role with the ball, picking up 2 wickets for just 21 runs in his four overs.
- Awais Zafar (Lions): Fought hard with an unbeaten 40, keeping the Lions competitive.
Turning Points of the Match:
- Saad Masood’s two quick dismissals in the middle overs shifted the momentum in favor of the Markhors.
- Iftikhar Ahmed’s calm and composed batting during the middle overs stabilized the chase.
- The explosive finish by Saad Masood ensured the Markhors crossed the finish line without any hiccups.
Points Table Update:
- Markhors (Pakistan): 2 points
- Lions (Pakistan): 0 points
Conclusion
The Champions T20 Cup opener delivered a nail-biting contest, with the Markhors demonstrating their tactical superiority and ability to perform under pressure. While the Lions showed glimpses of their potential, the Markhors’ all-round effort led them to a well-deserved victory. Fans can look forward to more exciting encounters as the tournament progresses.
