Peshawar win National T20 cup by defeating Karachi Blues
The team reached the target by losing three wickets with seven balls remaining
The team reached the target by losing three wickets with seven balls remaining. PHOTO: APP
KARACHI:
Two unbeaten half centuries by Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Rizwan, and a three-wicket haul by Imran Khan Junior enabled Peshawar to defend their title defeating Karachi Blues by seven wickets in the final match of the Haier National T20 Cup at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Karachi (B), who were asked to bat first were restricted to 177 as Imran Junior took three wickets for 26, Imran Khan senior took two for 35 and captain Zohaib Khan one for 38.
Khurram Manzoor scored 41 off 24 while unbeaten captain scored 47 off 26 balls - the top scorers from Karachi (B) side.
Read: National T20 Cup: One final hurdle between glory and Karachi Blues
Chasing 178, Peshawar reached the target by losing three wickets with seven balls remaining. At one stage the required run rate was almost 12 but both Rizwan and Iftikhar kept their cool and won it for Peshawar.
The unbeaten wicket-keeper batsman Rizwan scored 58 off 34 balls by hitting eight fours and one six and building a 110-run partnership with Iftikhar, who struck two fours and fours sixes to his 40-ball 57 runs. Opener Rafatullah Mohmand scored 43 off 23 balls.
Anwar Ali, Abdul Ameer and Shahid Afridi took one wicket each for 34, 39 and 21, respectively.
“We are happy that we were able to defend the title and once again won the national T20 to prove we are the best team,” said Peshawar’s captain Zohaib Khan. “We were able to chase the target with the help of a good opening even after losing a wicket Rafatullah played well.”
The man of the match Muhammad Rizwan said, “I am happy that I was part of the winning runs for the team and we were able to defend the title. I hope to keep this performance for the national side whenever I get a chance.”
Karachi captain Sarfraz said, “We were not able to field well and did mistakes in bowling too. Peshawar batted really well they deserved the win.”
Two unbeaten half centuries by Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Rizwan, and a three-wicket haul by Imran Khan Junior enabled Peshawar to defend their title defeating Karachi Blues by seven wickets in the final match of the Haier National T20 Cup at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Karachi (B), who were asked to bat first were restricted to 177 as Imran Junior took three wickets for 26, Imran Khan senior took two for 35 and captain Zohaib Khan one for 38.
Khurram Manzoor scored 41 off 24 while unbeaten captain scored 47 off 26 balls - the top scorers from Karachi (B) side.
Read: National T20 Cup: One final hurdle between glory and Karachi Blues
Chasing 178, Peshawar reached the target by losing three wickets with seven balls remaining. At one stage the required run rate was almost 12 but both Rizwan and Iftikhar kept their cool and won it for Peshawar.
The unbeaten wicket-keeper batsman Rizwan scored 58 off 34 balls by hitting eight fours and one six and building a 110-run partnership with Iftikhar, who struck two fours and fours sixes to his 40-ball 57 runs. Opener Rafatullah Mohmand scored 43 off 23 balls.
Anwar Ali, Abdul Ameer and Shahid Afridi took one wicket each for 34, 39 and 21, respectively.
“We are happy that we were able to defend the title and once again won the national T20 to prove we are the best team,” said Peshawar’s captain Zohaib Khan. “We were able to chase the target with the help of a good opening even after losing a wicket Rafatullah played well.”
The man of the match Muhammad Rizwan said, “I am happy that I was part of the winning runs for the team and we were able to defend the title. I hope to keep this performance for the national side whenever I get a chance.”
Karachi captain Sarfraz said, “We were not able to field well and did mistakes in bowling too. Peshawar batted really well they deserved the win.”