Lions Lose by 16 Runs but Secure Playoff Spot Fined for Slow Over-Rate
The Lions lost the game by 16 runs but still qualified for the playoff stage on Sunday night, at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
“The Lions have been fined for slow over-rate in their 22 September game of Champions One-Day Cup against the Engro Dolphins,” the PCB’s press release stated.
“The charges were leveled by the on-field umpires Faisal Aafreedi and Imtiaz Iqbal as the Lions were found to be one over short of the stipulated time.
“All the eleven playing members of the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led team have been fined five percent of their match fees as per article 2.22 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel, which deals with over-rate offenses.”
Notably, Lions’ all-rounder Khushdil Shah scored a blistering half-century, however, Abbas Afridi held on to his nerves to steer the Dolphins to a thrilling last-over victory.
In this crucial game, chasing 327 runs, the Lions needed to score 260 or more to qualify for the playoff stage, which they did in the 47th over but fell 16 runs short as they finished 310-8 in 50 overs.
The Lions will face the Stallions in Wednesday’s eliminator, meanwhile, Tuesday’s Qualifier will be played between the Markhors and the Panthers.
