FATA ease past AJK to make a winning start in National T20 Cup

LAHORE: A strong batting and bowling performance led FATA to a four-wicket victory against Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the ninth match of the National T20 Cup at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Batting first, AJK were bundled out for 149 runs on the last ball of the penultimate over.

Hasnain Nadeem remained the top scorer with a blazing half-century. Despite a strong opening partnership of 86 runs between Hasnain and skipper Hasan Raza, they ended up with a meager total.

Captain departed after scoring 33 off 30 deliveries, while Hasnain struck 29 balls 53, laced with four fours and as many sixes.

Following their dismissal, the batting line of AJK faltered and couldn’t capitalize on the opening start.

For FATA, Maaz Khan was the stand-out bowler, picking up four wickets for just 11 runs in his four overs. Azaz Khan took three while Shahid Aziz equally contributed with his two wickets.

In reply, FATA chased down the total for the loss of six wickets with 17 balls to spare.

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The openers Farooq and Mohammad Naeem laid the final nail in the coffin for AJK, forging a 76-run partnership.

Farqooq top-scored with his 34 balls 51, featuring six fours and two sixes, while his partner Nadeem composed knock of 30 runs of 20 deliveries, including five fours and a six.

Shahid Aziz remained unbeaten on 19 runs to steer FATA to victory in their opening match of the National T20 Cup.

Saad Asif and Aqib Liaqat each took two wickets for AJK, while Nadeem Khalil and Zaman Khan each claimed one wicket.

FATA secured a four-wicket victory, placing them at the top of the Group D standings in the National T20 Cup with two points, while AJK fell to the bottom of the group.

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