Irfan Khan’s blistering 56-ball century and Khushdil Shah’s all-round brilliance led the Lions to their first win of the Champions One-Day Cup, ending table-toppers Markhors’ unbeaten streak. The Lions’ victory by 35 runs also continued the tournament’s trend of all eight games being won by teams batting first.
Abdullah Shafique (52) and Imam-ul-Haq (51) set a solid foundation for the Lions with a 110-run opening partnership. Omair Yousuf (30) and Mohammad Taha (31) contributed during the middle overs, but quick wickets from Zahid Mahmood, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Imran left the Lions at 181 for 4. Irfan then teamed up with Khushdil for a 147-run fifth-wicket stand, blasting 12 fours and eight sixes between them. Khushdil scored a quickfire 73 off 45 balls, while Irfan went on to hit two more sixes and fours in the final overs, reaching a stunning century and propelling the Lions to 367 for 6.
Markhors’ chase began strongly, with Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 82 and a poor start from Shaheen Afridi in the powerplay. However, Ahmed Daniyal’s two wickets and Khushdil’s dismissals of Fakhar and Iftikhar slowed their momentum. Mohammad Rizwan’s run-out for 20 added further pressure. Although Abdul Samad (42) and Salman Agha (69) fought hard to keep the chase alive, Aamer Yamin and Afridi’s late wickets sealed the game, leaving Markhors short at 332 for 9.
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