Wolves clinch thrilling Super-Eight T20 opener

Ali Waqas’ innings helps Faisalabad register two-wicket win over Peshawar.

KARACHI: The Faysal Bank Super-Eight T20 tournament burst into action in style as Ali Waqas made a crucial 43 to guide Faisalabad Wolves to an exciting two-wicket win in a low-scoring tie against Peshawar Panthers.

Opting to bat first in the opening match of the tournament, Panthers could only labour to 127 for eight in 20 overs. Extras turned out to be the top-scorer with 24, while Muhammad Fayyaz made a 30-ball 23.

Opener Iftikhar Ahmed hit a 20-run cameo to set the platform for a bigger total but the rest of the line-up failed to take advantage. Left-arm spinner Hasan Mehmood bagged three wickets, while pacer Zahoor Khan took two scalps.

In reply, Faisalabad had their own problems to deal with as they were without their key players Misbahul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal.

However, 22-year-old left-hander Waqas made the most of the opportunity as he made an unbeaten 43 off 49 balls with the help of six fours. The knock helped Wolves go past the finish line with just a ball to spare. Opener Asif Ali chipped in with an entertaining 29.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2012.