Dolphins clinch last-over thriller despite Khushdil Shah’s blitz

Khushdil Shah’s explosive half-century couldn’t save the Lions, as the Dolphins secured a nerve-wracking win in the 10th match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium on Sunday.

Defending a total of 326, the Dolphins held their ground in the tense final overs, limiting the Lions to 310-8 and securing their first win of the tournament.

The Lions began their chase strongly with an opening stand of 78 runs between Abdullah Shafique (27) and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, who was playing his first match of the tournament. Sufiyan Muqeem broke the partnership by dismissing Abdullah, bringing Omair Bin Yousuf to the crease. Omair and Rohail added a crucial 50-run partnership before Dolphins captain Saud Shakeel claimed both of their wickets in quick succession.

Rohail top-scored for the Lions with a composed 62 off 70 balls, featuring six fours and a six, while Omair contributed 26 off 27 deliveries. Mohammad Taha kept the scoreboard ticking with a steady 40 off 49 balls, but a lack of support from the other end led to an increasing required run rate.

Qasim Akram’s dismissal of Taha added to the Lions’ pressure, as captain Shaheen Afridi then joined the aggressive Khushdil Shah at the crease with 114 runs still needed from 12 overs.

Shaheen retired hurt after making 6 off 9 balls but later returned to bat after Faheem Ashraf dismissed Aamir Jamal (4), reigniting hope for a Lions comeback.

With 81 runs needed from the last six overs, the target looked daunting. Faheem’s wicket-maiden over further dented the Lions’ chances, but Khushdil and Shaheen fought back fiercely, hitting sixes in the death overs and turning the match into a nail-biter.

Khushdil reached his half-century off just 33 balls, smashing three sixes off Abbas Afridi in the 48th over. However, Afridi redeemed himself in the final over, keeping his cool to help the Dolphins secure a 16-run win as the Lions fell short of the 23 runs required.

Khushdil was dismissed on the second-to-last ball after a brilliant 60 off 40 deliveries, which included six sixes and four boundaries. Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten on 33 off 28 balls, smashing five sixes in a valiant effort.

For the Dolphins, Abbas Afridi and Saud Shakeel took two wickets each, while Mir Hamza, Faheem Ashraf, Qasim Akram, and Sufiyan Muqeem each grabbed one.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Dolphins faced early trouble when they lost Sahibzada Farhan with just 35 runs on the board. Muhammad Hurraira (47 off 41) and Muhammad Akhlaq steadied the innings with a 77-run partnership, taking the total to 112 by the 16th over.

The Lions fought back, with Ahmed Daniyal dismissing Hurraira and Aamir Jamal removing Akhlaq, who played a quick 52 off 50 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes.

Captain Saud Shakeel played a steady knock of 23 from 23 deliveries, adding 53 runs with Umar Amin.

Shaheen Afridi took the key wicket of Asif Ali (7), but Qasim Akram (31 off 26) and Umar Amin added 62 more runs, pushing the Dolphins past 300. Umar Amin top-scored with 75 off 81 balls, including nine boundaries, before Khushdil Shah ended his innings.

Faheem Ashraf’s late contribution of 30 from 20 balls helped the Dolphins post a competitive total of 326 before being bowled out in the final over.

Aamir Jamal led the Lions’ bowling attack with three wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Ahmed Daniyal claimed two wickets each, in a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful effort.

Despite Khushdil Shah’s late onslaught, the Dolphins managed to hold on for a thrilling win, jump-starting their campaign in the Champions One-Day Cup with an important victory.