Babar Azam’s 76 guided the Stallions to a commanding 133-run win over Shaheen Afridi’s Lions in the second match of the Champions Cup in Faisalabad. The Stallions posted an impressive 336 for 5 in their 50 overs, thanks to half-centuries from four key batters: Babar, Tayyab Tahir (74), captain Mohammad Haris (55), and Hussain Talat (50). The Stallions accelerated towards the end, scoring 118 runs in the final 10 overs, with Haris and Talat delivering quickfire cameos.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Stallions got off to a steady start. Shan Masood and Babar shared a 39-run partnership before Masood fell to left-arm wristspinner Faisal Akram. Babar initially struggled to find his rhythm but settled in to anchor the innings through the middle overs. Tahir’s brisk 74 off 72 balls provided crucial support, allowing the Stallions to build a solid platform for their late assault.
In response, the Lions were outplayed with the bat. Mohammad Ali struck early in the first over, removing wicketkeeper-batter Sajjad Ali, and followed it up by dismissing Abdullah Shafique. The Lions lost wickets at regular intervals, but Imam-ul-Haq’s fighting knock of 78 stood out as the only significant resistance. However, with no other player scoring more than 30, the chase never gained momentum. Imam was eventually trapped by Jahandad Khan, sealing the Lions’ fate.
Shaheen Afridi, who had an off day with the ball, added some late runs to push the Lions past 200. However, Haris Rauf’s 3 for 43 wrapped up the innings, securing a routine victory for the Stallions.
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