SIRSA, SEPT 13 :Lahore Lions snuffed out the life out of Life Insurance Corporation of India by 55 runs in the first day-night match of the inaugural Jannayak Chaudhary Devi Lal International Twenty20 Cricket Tournament at the JCD National Cricket Academy Stadiun here on Friday night. LIC needed 153 runs for victory but were bowled out for 97 in 18.4 overs.
LIC suffered their first three wickets for nine runs in 2.2 overs and were ultimately dismissed for 97 runs. Michael Vishal (22), Rajesh Patha (16), Nishant Singh (17), Bablu Kumar (12) and Ravi Inder Singh (10) were their principal run-getters.
Waqas Ahmed (3 for 19), Mohd Aamir (2 for 26), Khakan Arsal (2 for 19) and Saad Naseen (2 for 11) troubled the LIC batsmen. All-rounder Khakan Arsal was declared the man of the match.
Earlier, reeling at 9 for 3 after 3.5 overs, Lahore Lions were propped up by Khakan Arsal who played a superb knock of 52.
Lahore Lions suffered early jolts as their openers Babar Bhindra and Faisal Javed were out without opening their account in 1.4 overs. Muntzar Mehdi also failed to impress with the bat and returned to the pavilion by contributing just five runs and side’s total was 9 after 3.5 overs. With Khakan Arsal and Rashid Riaz did the rescue act wih a 44-run association for the fourth wicket stand. They carried the score to 53 in 9.5 overs before this partnership was broken as Rajesh Patha dismissed by Rashid for 25. He faced 22 deliveries and hit four fours.
Khakan Arsal was joined by Adnan Raza and their fifth wicket partnership yielded 48 runs. Khakan Arsal’s breezy knock of 52 off 41 balls contained seven fours and one six.
Tailenders Shabaz Bhutt (14) and Waqas Ahmed (21) made valuale contribution to prop up their team’s total fo 152 in 20 overs.
Arun Singh was the most successful bowler with a haul of five wickets for 29 runs in four overs. Rajesh Patha captured two wickets for 31 runs in three overs.
The match was twice interrupted due to light failure.
On this occasion, Beijing Olympics boxing bronze medallist Vijender Singh also enjoyed the match.
Brief scores: Lahore Lions (Pakistan): 152 for 8 in 20 overs (Rashid Riaz 25, Kharkan Arsal 52, 4x4s, Adnan Raza 13, Shabaz Bhutt 14, Waqas Ahmed 21, Rajesh Patha 2 for 31, Arun Singh 5 for 29, Bablu Kumar 1 for 17).
Life Insurance Corporation XU\I: 97 all out in 18.4 overs (Ravinder Singh 10, Michael Vishal 22, Rajesh Patha 16, Nishant Singh 11, Waqas Ahmed 3 for 19, Mohd Amir 2 for 26, Khakarn Arsal 2 for 19, Saad Naseem 2 foir 11). Lahore Lions win by 55 runs. Man of the Match: Khakan Arsal.