Moufflons earn the bragging rights as they annihilate Epi Lions

In a one sided game played at Happy Valley, Moufflons recorded a comprehensive 10 wickets win over Epi Lions and re-ignited the hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Epi Lions, late arrival meant, toss being awarded to Moufflons, who decided to field first. Moufflons bowlers bowled an accurate line and length and made the run scoring difficult. As a result, the suffocated Epi Lions batsmen went aerial  in pursuit of runs, however, brilliant fielding effort from Moufflons meant Epi Lions reaching the drinks break at 34/3 in 9 overs.

Soon, after the drinks break, Sharma who had already taken two catches in the innings, ended Babar Ayub's miserable stay at the crease. Skipper Azan Baig and experienced Sadiq steadied the innings in a fifty partnership, when Tejbir Singh, fielding at cover ran out Baig (18) in a dazzling piece of fielding.

In the next over, Rafiq removed the dangerous Sadiq (30) and another two run outs resulted in Epi Lions limping to 132/9 in 20 overs.

Moufflons knew they have a great chance of recording a win against the opposition that have been their nemesis. New opening pair of Shahzeb Shah and Rafiq Alom were entrusted to counter Azan Baig's pace and Babar Ayub's swing.

The Moufflons openers started confidently and took Moufflons to 48 at the end of power play.  At the drinks break Moufflons had raced to 77 without any loss and Moufflons were truly on top of the Lions.

Soon, after the drinks, Rafiq (68*) completed his rapid fifty in only 36 balls. With the match nearly won, a watchful Shahzeb (54*) took the Epi Lions bowlers to the cleaners, He was particularly brutal on Epi Lions captain Azan Baig as He took 18 runs off him in an over and recorded his own half century in 42 balls with a six over cow corner.

Moufflons recorded a comprehensive 10 wickets win in the 15th over and deservedly earned the bragging rights.

The match was played in good spirits by both teams and was umpired well by Richard Boxall. With Epi Lions out of the contention they play for pride against the Sri Lankans CC in their next game. While, Moufflons despite being a happy bunch hope that Muneeb ur Rahman recovers from his hand injury that He suffered during the game and hope that they are able to fix the broken bat that Rafiq used against the Epi Lions for hitting 4 sixes in his knock - with the last of those sixes hit with the broken bat.

MH