The buzz surrounding cricket was palpable as the Champions One Day Cup unfolded in Pakistan, showcasing promising talent and unexpected turns. In the latest match, the Markhors secured an emphatic victory over the Stallions, dominating them by 126 runs, thanks largely to the remarkable performance of leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood, who took 5 wickets in just 4.4 overs.
Match Overview
The fourth match of the Champions One Day Cup, held on September 15, featured both teams eager for a second win after successful starts to the tournament. The Markhors batted first, yet faced fierce competition from the Stallions’ bowlers, Jahandad Khan and Mehran Mumtaz, leading to their total of only 231 runs in 45 overs. Star player Kamran Ghulam, who had recently scored a century, was dismissed for a mere 11 runs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan managed only 33 runs, contributing to the team’s precarious situation as they stumbled to 94 runs for 4 wickets by the 21st over.
Key Partnerships and Bowling Heroics
Despite the shaky start, a resilient partnership emerged between Agha Salman and Iftikhar Ahmed, who scored 51 and 60 runs respectively. Their contributions helped stabilize the innings until the experienced bowlers from Stallions turned the tide. Mehran Mumtaz and Jahandad Khan each took pivotal wickets, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 56 and 4 for 49, ensuring Markhors could not capitalize on their patient batting effort.
Stallions’ Collapse and Zahid Mahmood’s Dominance
Chasing 232 runs, the Stallions were faced with an uphill task right from the start, losing their first wicket at just 13 runs. The arrival of Babar Azam at the crease brought a glimmer of hope as he showcased his prowess by hitting five consecutive fours in one over bowled by Shahnawaz Dahani. However, this initial display of aggression was short-lived. After the fall of key wickets, including that of Tayyab Tahir, the Stallions’ innings unraveled dramatically.
Babar Azam’s Struggles
In a cruel twist of fate, Babar was dismissed by Zahid Mahmood on his very first delivery, marking a turning point that led to a swift collapse. The Stallions crumbled to a disappointing total of 105 runs in just 23.4 overs, losing 8 wickets within a staggering 53 balls. Zahid’s exceptional performance, achieving figures of 5 wickets for only 18 runs, underscored the depth of skills often overlooked in players sidelined by the national team.
A Redemption Story
This match was particularly significant for Zahid Mahmood, who had faced disappointment in the past under Babar’s captaincy, being dropped from the team after playing only a handful of matches. The thrill of his comeback, showcasing his skills against the very captain under whom he was dismissed, adds both an emotional and competitive flair to the narrative of this encounter.
In conclusion, the Champions One Day Cup continues to present thrilling cricket moments, and this match highlighted the unpredictability of the sport. As players like Zahid Mahmood reclaim their narrative, fans are left eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches and potential upsets.
