Islamabad Hawks snatch victory from hosts Kashmir Kings by 2 runs in last over

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL

RAWALPINDI: An unbelievable over by Ilyas Khan turned the tables, as Islamabad Hawks (IH) snatched a two-run triumph from Kashmir Kings (KK) in the 6th game of Markhor Ramadan Cup 2023 here at Ayub Park National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday in a well-contest thriller.

Kashmir Kings needed merely 3 runs to reach their target of 149 runs in the last over of the match, as they had five wickets in their hands too. The winning skipper Dolat Zardan handed the white ball to Ilyas Khan for the crucial last over of the match. Ilyas first three balls without giving a single run, however, in the next three balls KK lost their three wickets and threw the win from their hands. Ilyas Khan grabbed two wickets and halted rivals to reach the target of 149 runs. Although, Mohammad Akhlaq displayed top-quality cricket and scored 59 runs in 49 balls with the help of two fours and 4 sixes, however, he failed to finish the game after losing his wicket in the penultimate over of match.

Earlier, Islamabad Hawks scored 148 for 7 runs in 20 overs. Habib Zardan (34 runs, 30 balls), Syed Israr Ali (27 runs, 22 balls), Aamir Sohail (26 runs not out, 22 balls), and Rehmat Ullah (20 runs, 19 balls) were the main contributors in their team’s total. Sufyan Moqim got 4 wickets while Junaid Ali and Salman Irshad shared one wicket each.

Summarized Scorecard:

Venue: Ayub Park National Stadium, Rawalpindi

Man of the Match: Ilyas Khan

Islamabad Hawks (Batting) 148 for 7 in 20 overs

Habib Zardan (34 runs, 30 balls), Syed Israr Ali (27 runs, 22 balls), Aamir Sohail (26 runs not out, 22 balls), Rehmat Ullah (20 runs, 19 balls)

Kashmir Kings (Bowling)

Sufyan Moqim (4 for 10), Junaid Ali (1 for 29), Salman Irshad (1 for 42)

Kashmir Kings (Batting) 146 for 8 in 20 overs

Mohammad Akhlaq (59 runs, 49 balls), Riaz Khan (25 runs, 25 balls), Iqbal Akram (14 runs not out, 13 balls)

Islamabad Hawks (Bowling)

Dolat Zardan (3 for 28), Ilyas Khan (2 for 17), Abdullah (2 for 29)

Results & Schedule of next fixtures (All matches to start on 11:00pm):