Muhammad Irfan Khan’s explosive century guided the Nurpur Lions to a 35-run win over the UMT Markhors in the eighth match of the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup. This impressive victory marks the Lions’ first win of the tournament, keeping their playoff aspirations alive.
The high-scoring match took place at the iconic Iqbal Stadium, where Irfan played a breathtaking knock. He smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 56 deliveries, displaying power-hitting skills that left the crowd in awe.
His innings featured a remarkable 10 sixes and five boundaries, helping the Lions set a daunting 367-run target for the opposition. Khushdil Shah also played a vital supporting role with a quickfire 73 from 45 balls, maintaining the momentum through the middle overs.
UMT Markhors, while giving a brave chase, couldn’t quite match the Lions’ total. Fakhar Zaman provided a solid start for the Markhors, scoring an impressive 82 runs, while Salman Ali Agha added 69 to keep their hopes alive.
However, the required run rate kept climbing, and the team eventually fell short, managing only 332-9 in their allotted 50 overs. Zahid Mehmood, with figures of 2-49, was the standout bowler for the Markhors, although his efforts weren’t enough to stem the Lions’ aggressive batting onslaught.
This win is a much-needed morale boost for the Nurpur Lions, who have faced challenges throughout the tournament. Their inconsistent performances had placed their playoff chances in jeopardy.
However, Irfan’s masterclass, combined with the team’s overall attacking approach, proved decisive in turning their fortunes around.
The Lions’ bowling attack, although expensive, managed to contain the Markhors in the death overs. Irfan’s all-round performance—both as a batsman and a motivator on the field—was instrumental in their success.
As the tournament progresses, this victory could serve as a turning point for the Lions. With newfound momentum and Irfan in exceptional form, they now look poised to make a serious push for the playoffs.
