Muneeba (108) bats Challengers to 42-run win

LAHORE: Opener Muneeba Ali with her superb 108 runs innings helped PCB Challengers grab a 42-run win over PCB Dynamites in the third match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at Karachi’s National Stadium on Saturday.

The left-handed batter struck 17 fours and a six in 69 balls after Challengers’ captain Bismah Maroof elected to bat after winning the toss.

Over the course of her innings, Muneeba stitched a profound 118-run stand for second wicket with her captain helping Challengers to post a daunting 182 for three in 20 overs. Bismah scored 32 off 31, hitting one four and one six, while all-rounder Nida Dar smashed a quickfire 14-ball 29 not out, studded with four fours and a six.

The only bowler to pick up a wicket in Challengers’ innings was Sana Mir, who returned one for 44 in four overs, as Ayesha Zafar (three) and Muneeba were run-out. Left-arm orthodox Sadiq Iqbal took three wickets for 20 runs in three overs in Dynamites’ reply which restricted the Nahida Khan-led unit to 140 for five in 20 overs. With a 30-ball 38, which included four fours and a six, Iram Javed was the highest scorer for Dynamites, while Nahida and Kainat Hafeez scored 36 and 26 respectively.

Challengers’ Saba Nazir and Nida Dar were the other wicket-takers as both spinners took a wicket each. For her match-winning knock, Muneeba bagged the player of the match award. The fourth match of the tournament will be played between PCB Dynamites and PCB Blasters on Sunday. Blasters have won their both matches, to date, while Dynamites are yet to open their account.

Scores in brief: PCB Challengers 182-3, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 108, Bismah Maroof 32, Nida Dar 29 not out)

PCB Dynamites 140-5, 20 overs (Iram Javed 38, Nahida Khan 36, Kainat Hafeez 26; Sadia Iqbal 3-20) Result: PCB Challengers beat PCB Dynamites by 42 runs.