LAHORE: Mardan Warriors’ batter Haseeb Khan played a magnificent knock of 49 and powered his side to a tense final over victory over Hyderabad Hunters in the 10th match of the ongoing Pakistan Junior League (PJL) on Friday.
Set to chase 129, Warriors steered to the victory in the final over, thanks to a sensible knock of Haseeb, who remained not out with his 49.
The right-handed batter faced 39 deliveries in his match-winning knock and smashed five boundaries and a six. His brilliance earned him the player of the match award.
Warriors’ win over Hunters on Friday – their third overall in four matches – has confirmed a playoff berth, while Hunters, who endured a fourth straight defeat, crashed out of the tournament.
Wicketkeeper Daud Nazar supported Haseeb in the run chase as the pair added an unbeaten 47-run partnership to drive their side to seal the thriller. Daud scored 23 not out in 14 deliveries with the help of two boundaries and a six.
Opening batter Shahzaib Khan anchored the run chase earlier with a gritty knock of 35 while his side was losing quick wickets.
Ali Naseer led the bowling attack for the Hunters as he bagged three wickets but was expensive, while Mohammad Zubair Jnr and Haseeb-ur-Rehman claimed one wicket each in their respective economical spells.
Batting first, the Hunters could accumulate 128/6 in their quota of 20 overs despite a brilliant half-century from Ali.
The left-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 37, laced with four boundaries and two sixes and powered his side to a respectable total after a dismal start.
Besides Ali, no Hunters batter could contribute significantly with Arbaz Khan (22) being the top scorer behind him.
Archie Lenham and Mohammad Irfan picked two wickets each, while Aimal Khan and Abidullah struck out a batter each.
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