RAWALPINDI: Southern Punjab clinched a narrow three-run win over Central Punjab in their thrilling National T20 Cup encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today (Tuesday).
Chasing a huge target of 206, Central Punjab was jolted after the early departure of the prolific batsman Babar Azam, for a duck. Later, fast-bowler Mohammad Abbas removed Abdullah Shafique (13).
Central Punjab’s batsmen, Kamran Akmal (32), Mohammad Akhlaq (30), Rizwan Hussain (29), and Qasim Akram (21), lost their wickets at crucial intervals to give the advantage to the Southern Punjab side.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf changed the complexion of the game with a fighting knock of 54 runs off just 22 balls but it wasn’t enough for the side to get over the line. Usman Qadir was removed by Abbas on the last ball of the match as Central Punjab fell short by just three runs.
Shan Masood’s side, being asked to bat first, made 205-3 on the back of half-centuries by the team captain and Hussain Talat. The left-handed batsman top-scored with an unbeaten 59-run knock which came off 36 deliveries. The captain made 50 off 38 balls with seven fours to his name.
