RAWALPINDI – Lahore Lions maintained their winning streak as they beat Faisalabad Wolves by 48 runs to top Group A with three out of three wins here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Earlier in the first match, Peshawar Panthers defeated Karachi Zebras to remain in contest.
Lahore Lions set a target of 195 runs for victory to Faisalabad but they could manage 146 for the loss of 9 wickets.
Faisalabad started their runs chase at worst possible manner as they lost opener Ali Waqas in the second over at the total of 9.
Asif Hussain was the top scorer for Faisalabad with a polished knock of 64 with the help of 6 fours and 3 sixes, Khurram Shehzad (26) and Sabir Hussain (25) also played well but fail to guide their side to victory.
Pacer Zia-ul-Haq destroyed Wolves batting line with his sheer pace and accurate bowling and picked 5 for 23, Raza Ali Dar grabbed 3 for 25 and Wahab Riaz chipped in with 1 for 24. Lahore Lions were without the services of all rounder Abdul Razzaq.  
Earlier, Lahore Lions skipper Kamran Akmal after winning the toss opted to bat first and there openers fully justified the decision as they hammered all the Wolves bowlers at will, Ahmed Shahzad was particularly very severe as he was in tremendous form hitting all the bowlers to all corners of the park.
In the first match, Peshawar Panthers inflicted defeat on Karachi Zebras to revive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Chasing 159 runs for victory, Karachi Zebras could score 127/7 in 20 overs. Faisal Iqbal made 40, Anwar Ali (39) and Fawad Iqbal (30) also batted well. For Peshawar Riaz Afridi got 4 for 15. Earlier, Peshawar Panthers batting first scored 158/5 against Karachi. Iftikhar Ahmed scored quickfire 77 in 56 balls with seven four and three sixes, Gauhar Ali (21) and Akbar Badshah (21) played well. Anwar Ali and Uzair-ul-Haq got two wickets each for Karachi.
Whatmore witnesses youngsters show
Meanwhile, Pakistan national team head coach Dev Whatmore and fielding coach Julian Fountain were in Rawalpindi since March 26, to witness and monitor the performances of youngsters participating in the Super Eight Twenty20 Cup at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
They are witnessing the tournament to select players after observing their performances to prepare them as a back for Pakistan to replace the senior players who are at the verge of retirement. The two also meet Rawalpindi Rams players Sohail Tanvir and Awais Zia on Thursday.