Saim Ayub delivered an impressive performance, scoring 156 runs to lead the Panthers to a 20-run victory over the Stallions on Saturday night at Iqbal Stadium.
The Panthers set a challenging target, finishing their innings at 344 runs before the Stallions were bowled out for 324. Zaman Khan’s late innings flourish nearly shifted the game in favor of the Stallions, as he scored a quick 42 runs off just 16 balls, including six sixes and a four, but fell when the team needed 21 runs from the final five balls.
Earlier, Saim and Azan Awais laid a strong foundation with a partnership of 138 runs. Azan contributed a solid 51 runs off 77 balls. Usman Khan also made a notable impact with a rapid 75 runs from 47 balls, forming a 116-run stand with Saim.
Saim’s innings was marked by 13 fours and seven sixes, and he was eventually dismissed in the 46th over, becoming the second of Zaman’s four wickets in the match. The Panthers scored 46 runs in the last 43 balls but lost five wickets in the process, ending their innings at 344 for 7 in 50 overs.
For the Stallions, after a shaky start losing their top three batsmen, Tayyab Tahir and Hussain Talat steadied the innings with a partnership worth 172 runs, scoring 109 and 63 runs, respectively. Tayyab hit eight fours and four sixes, while Hussain added three fours and a six before being dismissed, which halted the Stallions’ momentum.
Despite a late push from Zaman and Abrar, who added 52 runs for the ninth wicket in just 20 balls, the Stallions ultimately fell short by 20 runs.
Scores in brief:
PANTHERS: 344-7 in 50 overs
Saim Ayub scored 156, Usman Khan contributed 75, and Azan Awais added 51, while Zaman Khan took 4 wickets for 90 runs.
STALLIONS: 324 in 49.3 overs (Tayyab Tahir 109, Hussain Talat 63, Zaman Khan 42; Mubasir Khan 3-77, Mohammad Hasnain 2-49, Ali Raza 2-54)
