Fazal stars in Karachi Blues’ victory

LAHORE: Abdullah Fazal’s brisk unbeaten 103 enabled Karachi Blues to register a thrilling 16-run win over Peshawar in a high-scoring encounter of the National T20 Cup at the Multan Criciket Stadium in Multan Wednesday night.

Abdullah Fazal smashed 11 fours and 3 sixes as Karachi amassed 183-6 in 20 overs. Peshawar’s Sahibzada Farhan fought valiantly with a 62-run knock but lacked support as the team fell short at 167-9. Fahad Amin’s three-wicket haul, complemented by tight spells from Mohammad Hamza and Aarish Ali Khan ensured Karachi’s win.

Quetta Region clinched a hard-fought 15-run victory over Larkana at the same venue. Quetta who scored 129 for 7 had contributions from Mohammad Ibrahim Sr (27), Shamraiz Khan (25), and Yasir Khan (21). Shahnawaz Dahani starred with the ball for Larkana, claiming 4-17.

Larkana’s chase faltered as they managed only 114-7 in 20 overs. Quetta’s Najeebullah Achakzai and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai picked up two wickets each, sealing their team’s win. At the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Islamabad defeated Bahawalpur by 36 runs, thanks to Shamyl Hussain’s unbeaten 75 off 54 balls and Umair Khan’s brilliant 4-23. Islamabad posted 167-4, with Hammad Siddique (27*).

In reply, Bahawalpur stumbled to 130 all out, losing wickets at regular intervals. Arsal Sheikh and Farmanullah Khan picked up three wickets each, backing Umair Khan’s match-winning effort.

Lahore Blues cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Dera Murad Jamali, chasing down a 101-run target in just 14 overs. Umair Siddiq (42) and Hussain Talat (24) combined for an undefeated 52-run stand.

Nisar Ahmed and Hussain Talat had earlier dismantled DM Jamali’s lineup with two wickets each. Kamran Ghulam delivered a match-winning all-round performance as Abbottabad defeated Faisalabad by eight wickets. Kamran claimed 3-20 with the ball and later forged a 132-run unbeaten stand with Khayam Khan (64*) to chase down the 135-run target in just 16.3 overs. Kamran Ghulam’s contribution was 63 not out. Earlier, Faisalabad struggled to build momentum, with Mohammad Faizan’s 43 being the only notable contribution. Kamran received support from Atizaz Habib Khan, Khalid Usman, and Shahab Khan, who picked up two wickets each.