Rising star Abdullah Shafique powers Central to victory in Punjab Derby

Central Punjab defeated Southern Punjab in the second match of the ongoing National T20 Cup by seven wickets.

Chasing a massive target of 201 runs, the Saad Naseem-led unit romped to victory courtesy a brilliant 145-run third wicket partnership between debutant Abdullah Shafique and veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal.   

Shafique played a wonderful unbeaten innings of 102 runs, taking just 58 balls, which included 11 fours and four sixes.

Akmal was dismissed after scoring 75 runs from 41 balls. His innings included 11 fours and two sixes.  

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Batting first, after winning the toss, Southern Punjab posted 200/8 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy fifties from captain Shan Masood and top-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood. Both scored 51 runs, each, off 33 and 26 balls, respectively.

Hussain Talat chipped in with an important contribution of 34 runs from 17 balls. Meanwhile, lower down the order, Aamer Yamin played a cameo of 18 runs from eight balls.

For Central Punjab, left-arm pacer Sohaibullah was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed three wickets for 26 runs in his four overs. Leg-spinner Usman Qadir bagged two wickets for 31 runs.

For his scintillating knock, Shafique was declared player of the match.