Stars reach final after thrilling chase

Stars secured a place in the National Women’s T20 Tournament final with a seven-wicket victory over Invincibles on Friday, while unbeaten Strikers completed their eighth consecutive win by beating Conquerors by 60 runs.

Sadaf Shamas scored an unbeaten 59 and Iram Javed contributed 47 as Stars chased down a target of 141 in 19.2 overs at Bohranwali Ground, finishing on 144-3 with four balls to spare.

Invincibles had posted 140-6 after Eyman Fatima led their recovery with a 63-ball 85, including 12 fours and three sixes. She shared a 115-run partnership for the third wicket with Syeda Aroob Shah, who scored 29.

Invincibles had made a disastrous start, losing openers Samiya Afsar and captain Gull Feroza with just one run on the board before Eyman steadied the innings.

Diana Baig took two wickets for 17 runs, while Stars captain Tuba Hassan claimed two for 21.

Stars lost Samina Aftab for 19 and Yusra Amir during the chase, but Sadaf and Iram added 76 runs to put their side firmly on course for victory.

Sadaf’s unbeaten innings came off 52 balls and included six fours and two sixes. Iram’s 47 ensured Stars reached the target and finished level on eight points with Invincibles, advancing to the final on net run rate as their opponents slipped to third place.

In the other match at Jawad Club Ground, Strikers maintained their unbeaten record with a comprehensive win over Conquerors.

Player of the match Najiha Alvi struck an unbeaten 63 off 52 balls to help Strikers post 123-6 in their 20 overs. Omaima Sohail added 36, with the pair sharing a 56-run partnership.

Conquerors leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima took four wickets for 14 runs, but her side struggled in reply and were bowled out for 63 in 14.1 overs.

Ravail Farhan top-scored with 22, while Aliya Riaz made 13. Omaima, Neelam Mushtaq, Tania Saeed and Rameen Shamim took two wickets apiece to seal the victory.

Strikers, led by Natalia Parvaiz, will face Tuba Hassan’s Stars in the final on October 26 at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. Strikers have won all eight of their matches in the tournament so far.