ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
Rawalpindi (September 26, 2021):-An unbeaten innings by Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 58 runs and a magical bowling spell by pacer Amad Butt (3-11) helped Balochistan to post their first triumph in the ongoing National T20 Cricket Cup 2021-22 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Sunday. It was ATF Southern Punjab’s third back-to-back defeat in the top national short version cricket fixture.
Opener Abdul Wahid Bangalzai anchored Balochistan’s 102-run chase which was made possible by an outstanding bowling and fielding effort aided by some poor shot selection by Southern Punjab batters in the first-half of the match.
The right-hander who represented Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup last year scored an unbeaten 58 off 55 balls (five fours, one six) as Balochistan overhauled the target with 16 balls to spare.
Bangalzai added 57 runs for the second-wicket with wicketkeeper-batsman Bismillah Khan who contributed 28 off 29 balls (two fours).
Naseem Shah, Khushdil Shah and Hassan Khan took a wicket apiece for Southern Punjab who now have all the work to do in the remainder of the tournament.
Earlier, Balochistan skipper Imam-ul-Haq asked Southern Punjab to bat first after winning the toss. Southern Punjab lost opener Zain Abbas (0) to Khurram Shahzad in the opening over.
Captain Sohaib Maqsood and Zeeshan Ashraf added 45 runs for the second-wicket, Sohaib who top-scored for his side with 24 fell to Amad Butt. Zeeshan fell to Yasir Shah soon after for 18.
Southern Punjab kept losing wickets at regular intervals as Balochistan bowlers and fielders took charge of the match. Bismillah also took two outstanding catches behind the stumps. The Southern Punjab middle-order of Khushdil (6), Azam Khan (1) and Hassan (19) failed to impress.
The side folded for the lowest score of the ongoing National T20 tournament with 13 balls of their 20 overs left unused.
Amad Butt (player of the match) took three wickets for 11 while Yasir took three for 19. Umaid took two wickets for 14 runs, Kashif Bhatti and Khurram took a wicket apiece for Balochistan.
Scores in Brief:
Balochistan beat ATF Southern Punjab by seven wickets
ATF Southern Punjab 101 all out, 17.5 overs (Sohaib Maqsood 24, Hassan Khan 19; Amad Butt 3-11, Yasir Shah 3-19, Umaid Asif 2-14)
Balochistan 102-3, 17.2 overs (Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 58 not out, Bismillah Khan 28; Naseem Shah 1-10)
Player of the match: Amad Butt
Wednesday’s matches:
Sindh vs Balochistan -3pm
Northern vs ATF Southern Punjab -7:30pm
