In a commanding display of batting, Babar Azam’s brilliant century led Allied Bank Stallions to a dominant 174-run victory over Engro Dolphins in the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup on Thursday.
Azam’s unbeaten 104 marked his 30th List-A century, making him the first Pakistani batter to achieve this milestone, further cementing his status as one of Pakistan’s premier cricketers.
The Stallions set an imposing target of 271 runs in their 50 overs, with Azam’s century being the cornerstone of the innings. His calm and calculated knock was embellished with seven boundaries and three towering sixes, coming off just 100 deliveries.
Supporting Azam’s brilliance were notable contributions from Yasir Khan, Shan Masood, and Tayyab Tahir, who ensured the team built a competitive total.
In their response, the Dolphins struggled from the outset, collapsing under pressure. They were bowled out for a mere 97 runs within just 25 overs.
Mehran Mumtaz and Jahandad Khan led the charge with the ball, each claiming three wickets, putting the Dolphins’ batting lineup under immense pressure from the start. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf also played a key role in decimating the Dolphins’ top order, with Ahmed picking up three wickets and Rauf adding two to his name.
The Stallions’ comprehensive win not only highlighted Babar Azam’s individual brilliance but also secured their spot in the playoffs. They now join UMT Markhors and Lake City Panthers in the next stage of the competition.
Meanwhile, this defeat marked the Dolphins’ third consecutive loss, placing them in a precarious position as they battle it out with the Lions for the final playoff spot.
Azam’s critical partnership with Haris Rauf for the eighth wicket added 41 runs in just 23 balls, providing the Stallions with a much-needed boost towards the end of the innings. This late surge gave the team confidence heading into their defense of the total.
For the Dolphins, the early loss of three wickets for just 40 runs proved fatal, as they never managed to recover. Their disappointing performance leaves them with an uphill battle in their remaining fixtures to keep their playoff hopes alive.
