Lahore Blues crowned National T20 Cup champs

LAHORE: Hussain Talat-led Lahore Region Blues claimed a resounding nine-wicket victory over Peshawar Region to lift the National T20 Cup.

The final, held at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, capped off a thrilling season of Pakistan’s premier domestic T20 tournament.

Chasing a modest target of 111 runs, Lahore Blues cruised to victory with 24 balls to spare. Opener Umar Siddiq played a match-winning knock, remaining unbeaten on 64 runs off 46 balls, decorated with six fours and two sixes. Umar set the foundation with a 45-run opening partnership alongside Imran Butt and sealed the win with an unbroken 66-run stand with Junaid Ali. Junaid contributed a steady 30 off 30 balls, including three boundaries.

Earlier in the match, Peshawar struggled against a disciplined bowling effort from Lahore Blues, managing only 110 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Skipper Iftikhar Ahmed top-scored with 34 runs off 33 balls, while Mohammad Zulkifal added a valuable 32 from 29 deliveries. However, no other batter could make a significant impact, leaving Peshawar short of a competitive total.

Lahore Blues’ bowlers put on a stellar show, led by Mohammad Salman Mirza, who was named Player of the Match for his exceptional figures of 4 for 21 in four overs. Left-arm spinner Nisar Ahmed also impressed with figures of 2 for 20, while Qasim Akram, Nisar Ahmed, and Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Scores in brief: Peshawar 110-9 in 20 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 34, Mohammad Zulkifal 32, Mohammad Salman Mirza 4-21, Mohammad Irfan 2-20). Lahore Blues 111-1 in 16 overs (Umar Siddiq 64 not out, Junaid Ali 30 not out, Usman Tariq 1-20).

Player of the match: Mohammad Salman Mirza (Lahore Region Blues).

Player of the tournament and best batter of the tournament: Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar Region) 605 runs in seven matches.

Best bowler of the Tournament: Hasan Ali (Sialkot Region – 13 wickets in four matches).

Best wicketkeeper of the tournament: Muhammad Akhlaq (Lahore Region Whites – Six dismissals & 114 runs).