Karachi Whites in National T20 Cup semis

Zeeshan was standout performer for winners with 60 off 34 balls

Multan Region secured a thrilling seven-run victory over Karachi Region Whites in the second quarter-final of the ongoing National T20 Cup on Sunday night, earning their place in the semi-finals.

Batting first, Multan posted a competitive total of 155/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Zeeshan Ashraf was the standout performer, scoring a blistering 60 runs off 34 balls. His innings, which included nine boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 176.47, provided a strong foundation for Multan despite the early dismissal of captain Zain Abbas, who scored just 9 runs off 11 balls, dismissed by Mir Hamza.

Zeeshan then formed a brief partnership with Uzair Mumtaz (3 off 8) before Mumtaz was run out by Haroon Arshad. Muhammad Shahzad contributed 36 off 25 balls, and Hamayun Altaf added 17 off 16 to help Multan push past the 150-run mark. However, Karachi Whites' bowlers tightened their grip in the latter stages, with Haroon Arshad (2/21) and Saud Shakeel (2/24) leading the way. Danish Aziz, Arif Yaqoob, Mir Hamza, and Mohammad Taha all took one wicket each.

In response, Karachi Whites faltered early, losing captain Saud Shakeel for a duck in the second over. Shan Masood (3 off 9) and Khurram Manzoor (12 off 17) also struggled, leaving the team at a precarious 18/3 inside the powerplay.

Despite the early setbacks, Haroon Arshad fought back with a quickfire 42 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and a six. He was well-supported by Mohammad Taha, who scored 36 off 30 balls.

The pair put on a vital 79-run partnership, which gave Karachi hope of chasing down the target. However, both batters fell in quick succession, leaving Karachi with a steep task.

Late cameos from Saad Baig (25 off 19) and Muhammad Umar (7 off 2, including a six) pushed Karachi's total to 148/8, but it wasn't enough to cross the line.

Mohammad Ismail was the star bowler for Multan, taking three wickets, while Faisal Akram supported well with two wickets. Arafat Minhas, Ali Majid, and Wasim Akram Jr. each picked up one wicket.

With this win, Multan Region has secured their spot in the semi-finals of the National T20 Cup.