LAHORE - Abbottabad Region produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Karachi Region Whites by nine wickets in the final and clinch the ABS Developers National T20 Cup title at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. The final was highlighted by a destructive bowling display from Arshad Iqbal and a fluent unbeaten half-century from Shahzaib Khan as Abbottabad comfortably outplayed their opponents to secure the championship.
Karachi Whites Struggle After Being Sent to Bat
After winning the toss, Abbottabad captain opted to field first, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Karachi Whites struggled throughout their innings. Despite boasting several experienced batters, Karachi failed to build meaningful partnerships and were bowled out for 118 in 18.2 overs. Saqib Khan top-scored with 22 runs, while captain Saud Shakeel made 17. Shan Masood contributed 16 and Haroon Arshad added 13, but none of the batters managed to convert their starts into a substantial innings.
Bowlers Shine for Abbottabad
Abbottabad's bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Arshad Iqbal led the attack with three wickets, earning him the Player of the Match award. Shahab Khan, Raza Ullah and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets apiece, while Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with one wicket.
Shahzaib Khan Leads Comfortable Chase
Chasing a modest target of 119, Abbottabad's batters made light work of the task, racing to victory in just 13.5 overs for the loss of one wicket. Shahzaib Khan spearheaded the chase with an unbeaten 54 off a sparkling knock that featured four sixes and three boundaries. Kamran Ghulam provided strong support, remaining unbeaten on 45 after striking three sixes and three fours. Afaq Khan contributed 13 runs, while Rizwanullah claimed Karachi's only wicket of the innings.
Memorable Campaign for Abbottabad
The emphatic nine-wicket victory capped a memorable campaign for Abbottabad, who dominated both with the ball and the bat in the final to lift the National T20 Cup trophy in style. The match was officiated by umpires Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz, while Azhar Hussain and Muhammad Arif served as official scorers.
