Sindh keep semi-final hopes alive with win over Balochistan
Sindh registered a four-wicket win over Balochistan in the 20th match of the National T20 Cup.
RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Sindh registered a four-wicket win over Balochistan in the 20th match of the National T20 Cup for First XI teams played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.
Sarfaraz Ahmed s 44 off 28 balls helped Sindh chase down 174 to beat Balochistan by four wickets. His innings trumped Imam-ul-Haq s 92 off 60 balls, a knock for which was named Man of the Match. The victory kept Sindh s semi-final hopes alive, while Balochistan despite losing are still second and well placed to finish in the top four.
Sindh s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Khurram Manzoor on the second ball of the innings. Sharjeel Khan (17) was the next man back in the hut followed by Asad Shafiq who struck 30 off 24 to keep the chase alive. Azam Khan s 27 off 14 helped matters, Sarfaraz s innings brought them closer and Hassan Khan gave the finishing touches with his 14-ball 28, taking the side home with five balls to spare.
Opting to field, Sindh s bowlers managed to keep Balochistan s run rate in check during the powerplay, conceding only one six and three boundaries in the period, with the wicket of man in form Awais Zia (17 off 13) the icing on the top. Thereafter, though, Imam took charge, putting on a 65-run partnership with 17-year-old Abdul Bangalzai (32 off 27). A nearly run-a-ball cameo by Harris Sohail (13 off 14) and a brisk late burst by Bismillah Khan (16 off 6) kept the scoreboard ticking over. Balochistan finished with 173 for 3, Sohail Khan, Anwar Ali and Hassan Khan taking a wicket each.
