National One-Day Cup: Zebras, Lions to lock horns in final today

Karachi outfit aims to add another title after Quaid Trophy triumph.

KARACHI: Unbeaten Karachi Zebras and Lahore Lions will go head-to-head at the Pindi Cricket Stadium for the Faysal Bank One-Day Cup title today.

Zebras stunned their star-studded city rivals, Dolphins by 81 runs in the semi-final, while Lions defeated Sialkot Stallions.

They are likely to make one change in their side by bringing in Rameez Raja Junior in place of Mohammad Waqas.

Zebras skipper Faisal Iqbal said that his team is keen to add another title after winning the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.

“We’re keen to win this one-day title as it will be the icing on the cake after the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy triumph,” Iqbal told The Express Tribune.

“We’ve defeated the Lions in the round match so we will have a psychological advantage. Our combination has been excellent throughout this season and if we can maintain that, this final will be ours.”

The Pakistan Test batsman said it was refreshing to see two teams comprising youngsters vying for the title. Iqbal himself has been instrumental for the Zebras and is their second highest run-getter with 247 runs behind Khurram Manzoor (259).

On the other hand, Lions have reigned supreme in the bowling department. Aizaz Cheema, who continues to be snubbed by the national selectors, has spearheaded their attack with 11 wickets while Qaiser Ashraf, Raza Ali Dar and Asif Raza have claimed nine apiece.

Captain Azhar Ali has managed 323 runs and has been ably helped by stylish left-hander Umar Siddique (273).

Lions coach Mohsin Kamal said has Azhar’s axing from the national one-day team has fired him up.

“Every player wants to perform well and he is a type of player who loves his batting and wants to stay at the crease,” he said. “He has led the team well so far and I continue to back him and my players.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2013.