Gauhar’s stunning 143 takes Central Punjab to maiden win in Cricket Associations T20 tournament

Central Punjab and Southern Punjab won their matches on the third day of the Cricket Associations T20 tournament on Friday at the Bugti Stadium in Quetta.

Central Punjab v Balochistan

Gauhar Hafeez’s scintillating century led defending champions Central Punjab to a 67-run win over Balochistan. This was Central Punjab’s first win in the tournament.

After opting to bat first, Central Punjab posted a huge 233 for three in their allotted 20 overs. Gauhar top-scored with 143 off 64, hitting 16 fours and nine sixes. The opening pair of Gauhar and Junaid Ali (54 off 40, eight fours) added 181 runs.

In reply, Balochistan were restricted to 166 for eight.

Abdul Wahid Bangalzai top-scored with a 31-ball 42.

Mohammad Irfan Jnr took three for 20, while Ahmed Safi Abdullah picked two for 28.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Southern Punjab

Tayyab Tahir’s 93 helped Southern Punjab beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by five wickets.

After being asked to bat first, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa scored 184 for five. Opening pair Aamer Azmat and Yasir Khan provided a solid 104-run start with Aamer scoring 85 off 59. His innings included 12 fours and a six. Yasir was other notable run-getter with 38 off 31, laced with four fours and a six.

Ali Majid and Kaleem Ullah Khan picked two wickets apiece.

Tayyab led the run-chase for Southern Punjab and during his 48-ball innings, he struck six fours and eight sixes.

Moinuddin (37 off 24, six fours) and Sharoon Siraj unbeaten 17-ball 28 saw Southern Punjab home in 19.1 overs.

Scores in brief

Southern Punjab beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by five wickets

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 184-5, 20 overs (Aamer Azmat 85, Yasir Khan 38; Ali Majid 2-22, Kaleem Ullah Khan 2-34)

Southern Punjab 187-5, 19.1 overs (Tayyab Tahir 93, Moinuddin 37, Sharoon Siraj 28 not out; Niaz Khan 2-31)

Central Punjab beat Balochistan by 67 runs

Central Punjab 233-3, 20 overs (Gauhar Hafeez 143, Junaid Ali 54)

Balochistan 166-8, 20 overs (Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 42, Awais Zia 35; Mohammad Irfan Jnr 3-20, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-28)

Next fixtures (18 September)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Sindh; Central Punjab v Southern Punjab