Rawalpindi: Central Punjab earned crucial two points in the National T20 Cup with a 12-run win over Sindh in the 16th match of the tournament played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Heavy rain brought a halt with Sindh 110/6 (14.4 overs) in their 169-run chase. After the rain ended, a wet outfield forced the match to be abandoned.

Sindh started the chase positively with Sharjeel Khan (36) and Khurram Manzoor (14) scoring 48 runs at the top.

After Khurram’s dismissal to Sameen Gul, wickets continue to tumble. Young off-spinner Qasim Akram bowled an impressive spell in the middle overs, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs. Before the rain, Anwar Ali handed catch to Wahab Riaz off Sameen.

Earlier, experienced Shoaib Malik played a lone hand for Central Punjab, guiding them to 168/8 in 20 overs after they opted to bat first against Sindh.

Malik stroked unbeaten 85 off 47 balls, powered by eight fours and five sixes. The only other notable batter was Ahmed Shehzad, scoring run a ball 35. Hasan Ali entertained with two sixes but fall out on the very next ball.

Babar Azam didn’t trouble the opponent today as he was LBW by Mohammad Hasnain in the fourth over. For Sindh, Rumman Raees bagged four for 33 while Abrar Ahmed took three for 39.