Super Lions falters on the brink of victory yet again against Pakhtoon CC in T-20

Match Report: Zurich Super Lions CC vs Pakhtoon Zalmi CC

CRICKETER PRO T20 COMPETITION (DIVISION 2) – 2025

Date: May 21, 2025

Venue: Embrach, Switzerland

Pakhtoon Zalmi CC Innings : Total: 173/7 in 20 overs

Umair Ahmad was the standout star, smashing 122 off 61 balls, with 11 fours and 6 sixes at a blazing strike rate of 200.00. His knock single-handedly anchored the innings and proved to be the match-winner.

Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, Umair held one end tight. His innings was a display of power-hitting, helped by a crucial drop on 29, which proved costly for Super Lions.

Zurich Super Lions' bowlers Amit (3-0-18-1), Srini (2-0-9-2), and Aditya (3-0-21-1) delivered controlled spells to restrict the damage late in the innings.

Zurich Super Lions CC Innings Total: 161/4 in 20 overs Chasing 174

Super Lions started cautiously. Prashanth gave momentum with a quick 36 off 25 balls.

Arnab (40 off 38)* and Fawad (29 off 22)* fought valiantly till the end, but the required run rate kept creeping up.

The Lions lost a bit of tempo in the middle overs, which ultimately cost them the match despite having wickets in hand.

Sardar Naeem with the ball for Pakhtoon Zalmi, picked up 2/23 in 3 overs.

Turning Point:

 Super Lions will rue the fact that Umair’s drop on 29 turned out to be the match-defining moment, as he went on to add 93 more runs and pushed his team to a defendable total.

Result: Pakhtoon Zalmi CC won by 12 runs

Key performers for Zurich Super Lions:

KP :

Opening the innings with intent, KP set the tone early for the chase. He played a confident and aggressive knock, scoring 36 runs off just 25 balls, including 4 boundaries and 2 sixes. His brisk scoring at a strike rate of 144 gave Super Lions the early momentum they needed. His dismissal came at a crucial time, but his efforts ensured that the Super Lions stayed ahead of the required rate in the Powerplay.

Amit :

Solid at the top, Amit anchored the innings early on, scoring 21 runs off 22 balls. Though not his most explosive outing, his calm presence helped absorb early pressure after a quick run-out. Amit also made a mark with the ball, with figure of 3-0-18-1.

Fawad:

Finishing the innings with flair, Fawad remained not out on 29 off 22 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and a six. With the match slipping away, he showed grit and composure under pressure, nearly pulling off a thrilling chase. His aggressive finish gave Super Lions a glimmer of hope, but the team fell agonizingly short by 12 runs. Fawad’s maturity in the lower-middle order continues to be a major asset for the Lions.