Pakistan Sports Journal

Abdul Razzaq smashed 71* of just 29 notout to lead Lahore Lions to their first T20 title - photo from web

Lahore lions defeated Karachi Dolphins by 37 runs in the final of Faysal Bank T20 Championship at Gaddafi stadium Lahore. Blistering knock from Abdul Razzaq who smashed 71 notout from just 29 balls, took Lahore lions to the 2^nd highest total of the tournament 221 for 3 which proved enough to beat the full powered batting line of Karachi Dolphins.

Chasing the total of 222, powerful Karachi Dolphins bowled out of 184, giving Lahore Lions their first T20 title at jam packed Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.

Lahore lions openers Ahmad Shahzad and Nasir Jamshed gave flying start to their innings, Shahzad got out after playing the solid innings of 43 of just 43 balls. Umar Akmal was loking good but he was stumped on 17. Then 82 run partnership from Abdul Razzaq and Nasir Jamshed completely destroyed the Dolphins bowling lions.

Jamshed scored 68 of just 57 balls, later in the innings there was Abdul Razzaq who shoed everyone that he is still a match winner and good enough for T20 cricket, he smashed 6 sixes and 4 fours in the total of 71 notout of just 29 balls. Lions ended their innings with the 2^nd highest total of the tournament 221 for 3. The game was full on because Karachi Dolphins had the powerful batting line to chase that total.

Karachi Dolphins starts their innings with 2 sixes in the first over, tournament most successful batsman Shahzaib Hassan started his innings in thrilling fashion and take Dolphins to 53 in 5^th over. He got out on 33 and left two youngsters Asad Shafiq and Fawad Alam to take the responsibility but regular fall of wickers made life difficult for the Karachi Dolphins and captain Shahid Afridi.

Shahid Afridi top scored for Dolphins 48 of just 29 balls but it was not enough to take Dolphins home and they fell short by 36 runs. Wahab Riaz was the stand out bowler for Lahore Lions, he took 3 for 14 in 3.4 overs.

Abdul Razzaq named player of the match for his match wining effort of 71 notout. Shahzaib Hassan deservingly got the player of the tournament award, He was outstanding throughout the tournament.

At this time when no international cricket is played in the country, this tournament really showed the love and passion which Pakistani nation has for the cricket.

Source : Pakcricketworld.com