RAWALPINDI: Northern’s Ali Imran starred with a brilliant half-century as his side edged past Central Punjab by just three runs after a thrilling encounter in National T20 Cup on Sunday.

Set to chase a respectable total of 147, Central Punjab fell short of the target in a 16-over per side reduced match despite a magnificent second-wicket partnership of 83 runs between Tayyab Tahir and Abdullah Shafique.

Tayyab smashed a phenomenal 53 off 39 including six boundaries and six before he fell prey to Salman Irshad on a cumulative total of 104.

Central Punjab lost track of its chase after the dismissal, as they started to lose wickets in quick succession. Abdullah scored 33 off 23 before getting dismissed by Usman Shinwari meanwhile veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik managed to score 18 off 12.

For Northern, Irshad bagged two wickets, with Shinwari, Aamer Jamal and Mehran Muimtaz making a scalp each.

Earlier, Northern posted a competitive total of 146/7 following Ali Imran’s scintillating 56 off 34, laced with three boundaries and three sixes while Sohail Tanvir played late cameo of quick 20 off 8 balls.

Mohammad Ali remained the top-wicket taker for Central Punjab as he produced  3/33, while Aamir Yamin and Ali Asfand bagged two wickets each

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