In a gripping encounter during Eliminator 1 of the Champions One-Day Cup 2024, Ubaid Shah of the Stallions produced a moment of brilliance with a spectacular caught-and-bowled effort to dismiss the experienced Imam-ul-Haq. The game played between the Lions and the Stallions, saw high drama unfold as the Lions claimed a narrow 12-run victory to advance to the next stage of the tournament.

Ubaid Shah’s magic moment

In the 10th over of the first innings, with the Lions at 43/3, Ubaid delivered what would be one of the defining moments of the match. Bowling a good-length delivery aimed at the middle stump, Ubaid generated extra bounce that caught Imam off guard. Imam, attempting a defensive stroke, could only manage to spoon the ball into the air. Ubaid, quick to react, dived forward in his follow-through to complete a stunning low catch, sending Imam back to the pavilion. It was a moment of sheer athleticism that had the crowd on their feet and marked Ubaid’s third wicket of the innings.

Here is the video:

BIG BLOW for the Nurpur Lions! Captain Imam ul Haq walks back.#BahriaTownChampionsCup | #DiscoveringChampions | #AlliedBankStallionsvNurpurLions pic.twitter.com/K3PwgGGKsA

— Bahria Town Champions Cup (@championscuppcb) September 25, 2024

Though Ubaid’s performance was outstanding, he took 3 wickets in total, his heroics were not enough to secure victory for the Stallions, as the Lions eventually outplayed them.

Also WATCH: Naseem Shah’s spectacular six off Saim Ayub steals the show in Champions One-Day Cup 2024

Stallions fall short despite fighting effort

Batting first, the Lions posted a solid total of 263/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Their innings was anchored by Ahmed Daniyal, who played a crucial knock of 65 runs off 59 balls. His innings included two boundaries and five towering sixes, providing the much-needed impetus for the Lions to reach a competitive score.

The Stallions’ bowlers kept chipping away at the Lions’ batting order, but none could stop the consistent flow of runs from Daniyal and his teammates. Ubaid ’s impressive spell was a highlight, but the Stallions’ efforts fell just short of restricting the Lions to a chaseable target.

Chasing 264 for victory, the Stallions found themselves in trouble as none of their batters managed to cross the 50-run mark. Opener Yasir Khan top-scored with 39 off 42 balls, but his dismissal, along with a string of wickets at regular intervals, left the Stallions struggling to keep up with the required run rate.

The Lions’ bowling attack, led by Khushdil Shah, kept the pressure on the Stallions throughout their innings. Khushdil was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets in his 10-over spell, stifling any momentum the Stallions tried to build. As the final overs approached, the Stallions were bowled out for 251, falling just 12 runs short of their target.

Lions’ victory secures spot in Eliminator 2

The Lions’ 12-run victory means they now advance to Eliminator 2, where they will face the Markhors in a bid to reach the final. The winner of that match will go on to play the Panthers in the tournament’s grand finale.

Daniyal, whose innings laid the foundation for the Lions’ competitive total, was rightfully named the Man of the Match for his match-winning performance. His crucial runs and leadership with the bat were instrumental in guiding the Lions to victory in this high-stakes encounter.

The Lions will now face the Markhors in a must-win Eliminator 2 clash, where both teams will be fighting for a spot in the final. The stage is set for an exciting finish to the tournament, with the Panthers waiting in the final for whoever emerges victorious.

With the stakes rising and momentum on their side, the Lions will be hoping to carry this winning form into the next round as they aim for the title.

Also WATCH: Babar Azam showcases his bowling skills in Champions One-Day Cup 2024

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