By VINODE MAMCHAN

Lahore Stallions opened the action on day one of the Major Cricket League (MCL) Pakistan with a thumping 10-wicket win over Hafizabad Stallions at the Maq Cricket ground in Hafizabad, Pakistan on Friday.

The opening pair of Gulfam Cheema and Rao Khyam made a victory target of 99 runs look easy, as they plastered the bowling to all parts of the ground, taking the game without losing a wicket with two balls to spare. Khyam was superb taking just 28 balls hitting three sixes and eight fours in getting to an unbeaten 56. Cheema was also brutal in making 40 not out off just 17 balls with one six and six fours.

Earlier, the home franchise Hafizad Stallions knocked up a competitive 98 for five wickets off 10 overs. Leading the way was Sohaib Sultan with 48 off 29 balls with six fours and a six. Aamir Younus looked sound hitting 22 off 15 balls with a six and three fours.

Stallions looked good in parts but on an easy paced pitch the target was insufficient and it showed in the end. The local team’s bowlers also was wayward for the most part and couldn’t contain the big hitting openers.

SCORES

At Maq Cricket Ground: Hafizabad Stallions 98/5 (10) (Sohaib Sultan 48, Aamir Younus 22) vs Lahore Stallions 101 Gulfam Cheema 40no, Rao Khyam 56no) – Lahore Stallions won by 10 wickets.