Saud Shakeel stars as Karachi Whites start National T20 Cup campaign on winning note

FAISALABAD: Skipper Saud Shakeel struck a match-winning half-century to lead Karachi Whites to a 30-run victory in the opening game of the National T20 Cup against Islamabad Region here at the Iqbal Stadium on Friday.

Other than defending champions Karachi Whites, Bahawalpur Region also registered victory on the opening day of the National T20 Cup 2024-25.

In the first match, Karachi Whites posted 159-6 in the allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first. Saud Shakeel, who was adjudged player of the match, smashed nine fours and one six in his 50-ball 76-run effort while opening the batting.

Khurram Manzoor was the other notable run-getter for Karachi Whites as he managed 29 off 17 balls, hitting four fours and one six.

For Islamabad, Naseerullah Khan and Musa Khan picked up two wickets each, while Arsal Sheikh and Umair Afridi dismissed one batter each.

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In turn, Islamabad slipped to 27-4 and were struggling at 73-5 before the rain stopped play in the 14th over. Karachi Whites’ Muhammad Umar snared two wickets, while Danish Aziz, Arif Yaqoob and Saqib Khan picked up one wicket each.

In the second Group B fixture, Bahawalpur Region managed a thumping 61-run win against Dera Murad Jamali Region in a seven-over-per-side fixture.

After opting to bat first, Bahawalpur’s opening batters, Aun Shahzad (28, 16b, 3x4s, 2x6s) and Muhammad Sudais (21 not out, 12b, 1×4, 2x6s) stitched a quickfire half-century partnership.

Skipper Muhammad Imran smashed 16 off eight balls, hitting a four and a six each, while Faizan Zafar’s four-ball 16 was inclusive of two fours and one six. Bahawalpur posted 95-3 in the allotted seven overs. In turn, DM Jamali could only manage 34-6.

For Bahawalpur, Imran Khan Sr. and Salahuddin snapped two wickets each.

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