Karachi Whites, Bahawalpur win T20 Cup ties

The National T20 Cup 2024-25 started with exciting matches at Iqbal Stadium as Karachi Region Whites and Bahawalpur Region secured wins in their opening games.

Defending champions Karachi Whites defeated Islamabad Region by 30 runs in a rain-affected match. Batting first, Karachi posted 159-6 in 20 overs. Captain Saud Shakeel led from the front with a superb 76 off 50 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. Khurram Manzoor added a quick 29 off 17 balls, while Saad Baig remained unbeaten on 18.

Islamabad’s bowlers tried to keep things in check, with Naseerullah Khan and Musa Khan taking two wickets each. Arsal Sheikh and Umair Afridi picked up one wicket each.

Chasing 160, Islamabad had a tough start, slipping to 27-4 before rain interrupted the game. At 73-5 in 14 overs, the match was decided by the DLS method, and Karachi Whites were declared winners. Muhammad Umar was the standout bowler for Karachi, taking 2-9, while Danish Aziz, Arif Yaqoob, and Saqib Khan also took a wicket each. Saud Shakeel was named Player of the Match.

In the second match, Bahawalpur Region outplayed Dera Murad Jamali Region, winning by 61 runs in a rain-shortened seven-over contest. Batting first, Bahawalpur put up 95-3 in seven overs. Openers Aun Shahzad (28 off 16) and Muhammad Sudais (21 off 12) gave a strong start, while captain Muhammad Imran scored 16 off eight balls. Faizan Zafar played a quick cameo, smashing 16 off four balls with two fours and a six.

Dera Murad Jamali struggled in the chase, managing only 34-6 in their seven overs. Veteran pacer Imran Khan Sr. and Salahuddin led Bahawalpur’s bowling attack with two wickets each. Imran Khan Sr. was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.