RAWALPINDI: Balochistan’s top-order drove them to a second win in National T20 Cup as they beat Southern Punjab (SP) by eight wickets in 13th match.
Openers Abdullah Shafique and Abdul Wahid Banglazai provided a solid 84-run stand to Balochistan after they were set to chase 175 runs in 20 overs.
Bothe youngsters made the most of the conditions and outclassed opponents with quality batting. Abdullah, who stood out as opener in place Imam-ul-Haq (got injured while fielding), scored 44 runs off 28 balls with five boundaries and a six.
Abdul Wahid Banglzai made 50 off 42 balls laced with seven boundaries. Haris Sohail remained not out for 47 and anchored Balochistan to their second win. Sohail Akhtar contributed 16.
Aamer Yamin and Umer Khan took a wicket each for SP.
Earlier, Sohaib Maqsood scored 54 followed by skipper Aamer’s quick 25 helped SP post defendable 174-9 against Balochistan.
Sohaib continued his form from the previous match and scored 54 off 34 balls laced with six boundaries and two sixes to provide a solid rhythm to SP who lost three quick wickets.
He alongside Hassan Khan scored 71 runs to take SP from 28-3 to 99-3. Hassan scored 28 runs off 22 balls with the help of three sixes.
Khushdil Shah made 25 off 22 followed by an anchor role from skipper Aamer. He made quick 25 off 12 balls including two boundaries and as many sixes. Umer Khan, in the end, smashed three boundaries to score 12 off 5 deliveries.
For Balochistan, Junaid Khan and Umaid Asif bagged three wickets each while Khurram Shahzad took two. Haris managed to take the wicket of Azam Khan who scored two runs.
