Faisalabad (Sports Reporter): Pace-bowling all-rounder Ayesha Rehman was the key for Tuba Hassan-led Champions as she starred in their 14-run win over Incredibles in the fourth match of the PCB Women’s Super-3 T20 Tournament at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Sunday.
Champions posted 143-8 in the allotted 20 overs with Ayesha top-scoring with 35 not out. In turn, Incredibles were bowled out for 129 in 19.5 overs with only Syeda Aroob Shah putting up a fight with a quickfire 32. Ayesha also picked up the first and last wicket of the innings returning 2-18 in 3.5 overs.
Champions opted to bat and their opening batters Komal Khan (24, 20b, 4x4s) and Shawaal Zulfiqar (17, 11b, 2x4s, 1x6) gave a decent start with a 41-run stand. Incredibles’ spin-bowling trio of Anosha Nasir, Umm-e-Hani and Aroob then started to cut through Champions’ batting line-up as they slipped to 79-5.
Najiha Alvi (28, 31b, 2x4s) and Saira Jabeen (23, 18b, 2x4s, 1x6) then put in an effort to take their team out of danger which worked. It was a crucial 44-run stand between Najiha and no.9 Ayesha that propelled Champions to a winning score.
Ayesha struck four fours and one six in the 16 balls she faced during her unbeaten stay at the crease. For Incredibles, Anosha picked up 3-16 in four overs, Hani 2-29 in four and Aroob 1-18 in as many overs.
In pursuit of the 144-run target, Incredibles’ top five batters stuttered with Gull Feroza scoring 33 off 39 balls, Omaima Sohail (17, 14b, 2x4s) and Samiya Afsar (12, 12b, 2x4s) departing after getting starts.
Aroob, batting at no.6, showcased her hitting prowess by striking two fours and as many sixes in her 17-ball 32, which threatened the Champions but they managed to reign in the Incredibles, taking six for 45 towards the latter stage. Ayesha, Tayyaba Imdad and Tania Saeed picked up two wickets each.
Scores in brief
Champions 143-8, 20 overs (Ayesha Rehman 35 not out, Najiha Alvi 28, Komal Khan 24, Saira Jabeen 23; Anosha Nasir 3-16, Umm-e-Hani 2-29)
Incredibles 129 all out, 19.5 overs (Gull Feroza 33, Syeda Aroob Shah 32; Tayyaba Imdad 2-18, Ayesha Rehman 2-18, Tania Saeed 2-18)
Player of the match – Ayesha Rehman (Champions)
