ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
RAWALPINDI: A couple of notable performances, Khalid Usman 4 for 18 and Tahir Baig 70 runs not out, abetted Rawalpindi Royals (RR) to thrash Kashmir Kings (KK) by 9 wickets in the 5th match of the ongoing 2nd Twenty-20 Markhor Ramadan Cup 2023 here at Ayub Park National Stadium on Monday night in a single-sided affair.
Rawalpindi Royals achieved their 165 runs target in the penultimate ball of the 17th over of their innings, as three solid innings were enough for the RR to overcome their opponents comfortably. Tahir Baig was the top scorer with 70 runs not out, as he faced just 40 balls while Sohaib Maqsood played an excellent knock of 48 runs in 25 balls. Umair Mumtaz scored 34 runs not out in 20 28 balls. In the match, Bilal Sarwar was the only lad who got a solitary wicket for Kashmir Kings.
On Monday night, Rawalpindi Royals’ skipper Test player Yasir Shah won the toss and asked Kashmir Kings for batting. KK posted 164 for 8 runs on the scoreboard in a fixed 20 overs per innings fixture. Iqbal Akram (34 runs not out, 22 balls), Nasir Nawaz (30 runs, 23 balls), Mohammad Akhlaq (20 runs, 17 balls), and Raiz Khan (18 runs in 15 balls) were the main contributors.
Khalid Usman did well with the ball and snared 4 top batters of Kashmir Kings after conceding just 18 runs in his 4 overs. Ahsan Bhatti got two scalps for his 17 runs. Sajid Khan (1 for 12), and Yasir Shah (1 for 33) were other wicket-takers.
Khalid Usman was judged player of the match on his magical bowling (4 for 18).
Summarized Scorecard:
Venue: Ayub Park National Stadium, Rawalpindi
Toss: Rawalpindi Royals won the toss and elected to field
Man of the Match: Khalid Usman
Kashmir Kings (Batting) 164 for 8 in 20 overs
Iqbal Akram (34 runs not out, 22 balls), Nasir Nawaz (30 runs, 23 balls), Mohammad Akhlaq (20 runs, 17 balls), Raiz Khan (18 runs in 15 balls)
Rawalpindi Royals (Bowling)
Khalid Usman (4 for 18), Ahsan Bhatti (2 for 17), Sajid Khan (1 for 12), Yasir Shah (1 for 33)
Rawalpindi Royals (Batting): 168 for 1 in 16.5 overs
Tahir Baig (70 runs not out, 40 balls), Sohaib Maqsood (48 runs, 25 balls), Umair Mumtaz (34 runs not out, 28 balls)
Islamabad Hawks (Bowling)
Bilal Sarwar (1 for 31)
Results & Schedule of next fixtures (All matches to start on 11:00pm):
April 6, 2023: Peshawar Pathans beat Punjab Lions by 37 runs
April 7, 2023: Kashmir Kings beat Peshawar Pathans by 4 wickets
April 8, 2023: Islamabad Hawks beat Punjab Lions by 6 wickets
April 9, 2023: Rawalpindi Royals beat Islamabad Hawks on Super Over
April 10, 2023: Rawalpindi Royals beat Kashmir Kings by 9 wickets
April 11, 2023: Islamabad Hawks vs Kashmir Kings
April 12, 2023: Rawalpindi Royals vs Punjab Lions
April 13, 2023: Punjab Lions vs Kashmir Kings
April 14, 2023: Peshawar Pathans vs Rawalpindi Royals
April 15, 2023: Islamabad Hawks vs Peshawar Pathans
April 16, 2023: First Semifinal (Team 1 vs Team 4)
April 17, 2023: Second Semifinal (Team 2 vs Team 3)
April 18, 2023: Final (Championship Match)
