In an exhilarating display of power-hitting and commanding performances, Abbottabad crushed Peshawar’s ten-match winning streak to secure a spot in the final of the National T20 Cup 2023-24 with a convincing seven-wicket victory at National Stadium, Karachi.
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Abbottabad’s bowlers made early inroads into the Peshawar batting lineup. Despite Israrullah’s explosive innings of 73, no substantial partnership blossomed, and Shahab Khan’s devastating five-wicket haul dismantled the Peshawar lineup, restricting them to a competitive 169 all out in 19.2 overs.
Abbottabad’s chase was nothing short of spectacular as openers Fakhar Zaman and Sajjad Ali Jnr unleashed an onslaught of towering sixes, amassing a phenomenal 113-run partnership in quick succession. Sajjad’s fiery fifty, coupled with Mohammad Imran’s explosive 57 off 29 balls, set the stage for a commanding victory.
Fakhar Zaman’s blistering unbeaten 79 off 46 deliveries, adorned with an array of boundaries and towering hits, steered Abbottabad towards triumph. Afaq Ahmed’s final six over long-off epitomized Abbottabad’s dominance, sealing their victory with 13 balls to spare.
Shahab Khan’s remarkable five-wicket haul earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match accolade, ensuring Abbottabad’s place in the final of the tournament.
With this enthralling victory, Abbottabad has set the stage for an intense final showdown as they await the winner of the second semi-final clash between Karachi Whites and Rawalpindi at the same venue later in the day.
Scores in brief:
Abbottabad beat Peshawar by seven wickets
Peshawar 169 all out, 19.2 overs (Israrullah 73; Shahab Khan 5-33, Fayaz Khan 2-33, Aqib Khan 2-41)
Abbottabad 175-3, 17.5 overs (Fakhar Zaman 79 not out, Sajjad Ali Jnr 57, Aitzaz Habib Khan 21; Abbas Ali 1-7, Mohammad Imran 1-18, Iftikhar Ahmed 1-48)
Player of the match – Shahab Khan (Abbottabad)
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