The Champions T20 Cup 2024 brought yet another edge-of-the-seat encounter as the Markhors edged past the Dolphins by 2 wickets with seven balls to spare in a highly competitive match held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on December 10, 2024. The game highlighted the grit and determination of both teams, with moments of brilliance on display from Khawaja Nafay, who was declared the Player of the Match for his remarkable 68-run knock.
Dolphins’ Struggle with the Bat
Batting first, the Dolphins faced a steady bowling attack that never allowed them to fully settle. The innings started on a disappointing note as Sahibzada Farhan departed for a duck in the first over, falling prey to Akif Javed. Mirza Baig attempted to stabilize the innings with his 29 runs off 28 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six. Muhammad Akhlaq contributed a valuable 40 off 33 balls, displaying composure and anchoring the middle order. However, consistent fall of wickets ensured that the Dolphins couldn’t post a challenging total.
The Dolphins finished their innings at 128/9 in 20 overs. The lower-middle order failed to fire, with run-outs claiming Faheem Ashraf and Shayan Sheikh at critical moments. Kashif Ali and Salman Irshad remained unbeaten at the end but could only push the total to a below-par score.
The Markhors’ bowling attack was well-balanced. Akif Javed (2/33) and Nisar Ahmad (2/17) were instrumental in keeping the Dolphins in check. Saad Masood and Mohammad Nawaz also picked up a wicket each. Tight fielding efforts, including three run-outs, ensured the Markhors maintained control throughout the innings.
Markhors’ Challenging Chase
The Markhors, chasing a target of 129, had their own set of struggles. The Dolphins’ bowling unit managed to make early inroads, with Fakhar Zaman dismissed for a duck by Sameen Gul. However, Khawaja Nafay stepped up to the occasion with a masterful 68 off 41 balls. His innings was studded with seven boundaries and four towering sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 165.85.
While Khawaja Nafay was the backbone of the innings, contributions from Mohammad Nawaz (18 off 19 balls) and Mohammad Sarwar (13 off 12 balls) played pivotal roles in keeping the scoreboard ticking. Qasim Akram emerged as the Dolphins’ standout bowler, delivering a brilliant spell of 3/11 in his 3 overs, creating pressure and taking crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Despite their efforts, the Dolphins couldn’t prevent the Markhors from sealing the game in the 19th over. The final blow came when Akif Javed and Mohammad Nawaz combined forces to guide their team to victory.
Key Performances
The game will be remembered for the dominance of Khawaja Nafay, whose stellar batting performance earned him the Player of the Match title. For the Dolphins, Qasim Akram’s all-round effort with the ball stood out, but his heroics fell short of turning the game around. In the field, the Dolphins showed sparks of brilliance but lacked consistency, which ultimately cost them the match.
Match Highlights
- Dolphins’ innings: Muhammad Akhlaq (40), Mirza Baig (29), Qasim Akram (3/11), Akif Javed (2/33)
- Markhors’ innings: Khawaja Nafay (68), Mohammad Nawaz (18*), Sameen Gul (3/23), Qasim Akram (3/11)
- Player of the Match: Khawaja Nafay for his match-winning 68 off 41 balls.
Points Table Impact
This victory awarded 2 crucial points to the Markhors, while the Dolphins are yet to open their account in the tournament. The Markhors’ performance has solidified their position as strong contenders for the title, showcasing a perfect blend of experience and young talent.
Conclusion
The Champions T20 Cup continues to bring thrilling encounters, and the 5th match between the Dolphins and Markhors was no exception. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but it was the Markhors who emerged victorious in a tightly contested match. As the tournament progresses, cricket fans can expect more action-packed games and nail-biting finishes.
