Panthers edge Stallions in thrilling encounter

They are looking strong as they head into the final round match against the Lions

FAISALABAD:

Saim Ayub struck a magnificent 156, his fourth List-A century, as Lake City Panthers got the better of Allied Bank Stallions by 20 runs on Saturday night here at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. Stallions were bundled out for in 324 in 49.3 overs in their pursuit of 345-run target.

After Tayyab Tahir's century and Hussain Talat's half-century including a 157-run fourth-wicket partnership, Zaman Khan, batting at No. 9, smashed a 16-ball 42 including six sixes and one four to give the Panthers a late scare but in vain as Amad Butt dismissed him with Stallions requiring 21 runs off five balls.

Earlier, Panthers opening batters, Saim Ayub – stand-in skipper for Shadab, and Azan Awais laid the platform for a big first innings score with a 138-run partnership before the latter fell prey to Abrar for a 77-ball 51 with four fours and a six. Usman Khan, who struck a quickfire 75 off 47 balls smashing eight fours and four sixes, stitched a 116-run stand for the second wicket with the skipper.

Saim's masterly knock was laced with 13 fours and seven sixes as he departed in the 46th over becoming the second of Zaman's four wickets in the game. Panthers scored only 46 runs in the last 43 balls giving away five wickets as they reached 344-7 in 50 overs.

Apart from Zaman who bagged a four-fer Jahandad Khan and Abrar Ahmed picked up one each for Stallions. After Stallions lost their top three, Mohammad Haris (19, 14b, 4x4s), Shan Masood (8, 11b) and Babar Azam (5, 9b, 1x4) 6.1 overs, Tayyab and Hussain Talat joined forces and kept the Stallions innings intact with scores of 109 and 63, respectively.

Tayyab hit eight fours and four sixes while Hussain clubbed three fours and one six before the partnership was broken by Mubasir Khan in 35th over derailing the Stallions' momentum.

After Adil Amin (23, 19b, 4x4s) and Jahandad Khan (24, 19b, 2x4s, 1x6) departed with Stallions reeling at 272-8, Zaman and Abrar (9 not out, 5b, 1x6) put on a brisk 52-run ninth-wicket partnership off just 20 balls to bring their team close but fell 20 runs short.

Mubasir (3-77), Mohammad Hasnain (2-49) and Ali Raza (2-54) were leading bowlers for Panthers while Amad Butt and Arafat Minhas picked up one each.

Scores in brief

Match 9 – Lake City Panthers beat Allied Bank Stallions by 20 runs

Lake City Panthers 344-7, 50 overs (Saim Ayub 156, Usman Khan 75, Azan Awais 51; Zaman Khan 4-90)

Allied Bank Stallions 324 all out, 49.3 overs (Tayyab Tahir 109, Hussain Talat 63, Zaman Khan 42, Mubasir Khan 3-77, Mohammad Hasnain 2-49, Ali Raza 2-54)

Player of the match: Saim Ayub (Lake City Panthers).