Babar Azam, Naseem Shah misfire as Karachi Whites humble Lahore Blues

LAHORE: Pakistan’s top batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Naseem Shah failed to impress on their return to the National T20 Cup as Karachi Whites secured a comprehensive victory against Lahore Blues here at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

The duo was rested for Pakistan’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand after the national team’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded Champions Trophy.

Initially, there were reports that both players had opted out of the National T20 Cup. However, Naseem and Babar featured in the playing XI of Lahore Blues for their match against Karachi Whites.

Babar Azam and Naseem Shah both fell short of expectations, with Babar scoring a scratchy knock of 23 off 17 deliveries, while Naseem remained wicketless conceding 41 runs in his four overs.

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The home team was bundled out for 134 in 18.4 overs while chasing 172. This was Lahore’s first defeat in the 18-team tournament. Qasim Akram remained top scorer with his 36 off 28 deliveries, laced with four fours and one six.

For Karachi Whites, Arif Yaqoob was the stand-out bowler, taking four wickets for 23 runs in his four overs. Fast bowler Mohammad Umar and spinner Danish Aziz equally contributed to the victory, each claiming two wickets

Earlier, Karachi Blues posted a daunting total of 172 in their 20 overs, thanks to Saud Shakeel’s half-century.

The southpaw continued his good form, top-scoring with 73 off 52 balls striking eight fours and three sixes in his decisive knock.

In the final phase of the innings, Danish Aziz (23) and Saqib Khan (20) contributed with a quick-fire stand to help Karachi reach a formidable total.

For Lahore Blues, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Irfan, and Nisar Ahmed bagged one wicket each in their allocated overs.

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