Irfan Khan’s dynamic century, along with Khushdil Shah’s all-around contribution, propelled the Lions to their first victory in the Champions One-Day Cup, breaking the Markhors' unbeaten streak in the competition. This win also upheld the pattern of all eight matches being secured by the team that batted first.
The Lions commenced their innings strongly, thanks to openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, who established a solid 110-run opening stand. Both players scored half-centuries, with Shafique making 52 and Imam adding 51. However, Zahid Mahmood dismissed the openers in quick succession, followed by Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Imran, who removed Omair Yousuf (30) and Mohammad Taha (31), respectively, leaving the Lions at 181 for 4.
At this juncture, Irfan Khan and Khushdil Shah took control, crafting a crucial 147-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their aggressive performance included 12 fours and eight sixes, leading the Lions to a substantial total. Khushdil Shah was out after scoring 73 from 45 balls, while Irfan Khan continued his aggressive play, reaching a century off 56 balls. His late burst of boundaries elevated the Lions to an imposing 367 for 6.
In reply, the Markhors started their chase positively with Fakhar Zaman attacking Shaheen Shah Afridi during a brisk 80-run opening powerplay. Nevertheless, Ahmed Daniyal countered by dismissing Bismillah Khan and Kamran Ghulam, disrupting the Markhors' momentum. Khushdil Shah then made his impact with the ball, removing Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed to further diminish the opposition's chances.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan was run out for 20 in the 33rd over, leaving the Markhors needing 176 runs from the remaining 108 balls. Despite a valiant effort from Abdul Samad (42) and Salman Agha (69), the target was too challenging. Aamer Yamin and Shaheen Shah Afridi clinched the victory for the Lions by dismissing both set batsmen and taking one more wicket each.
