Javeria Rauf and Omaima Sohail Steer Challengers to Victory over Blasters

In an exhilarating encounter at the State Bank Stadium, Challengers emerged victorious with a five-wicket win over Blasters in the second phase of the Pakistan Cup Women’s Cricket Tournament. Brilliant performances from Javeria Rauf and captain Omaima Sohail, combined with a stellar four-wicket haul by Syeda Masooma Zahra, propelled Challengers to their maiden win in this phase.

Chasing a target of 191 runs, Challengers faced early setbacks, losing two wickets for 42 runs in the 13th over. However, Javeria and Omaima took charge of the innings and stitched together a remarkable 134-run partnership for the third wicket. The duo displayed exceptional batting skills, with Javeria scoring 82 runs from 119 balls, including six boundaries and a six, while Omaima contributed a valuable 75 runs from 86 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six. Their dismissal in successive deliveries during the 38th over didn’t derail Challengers’ pursuit as they reached the target in the 42nd over, securing a memorable victory with five wickets in hand.

For Blasters, Anam Amin claimed two wickets for 42 runs, but it wasn’t enough to halt Challengers’ determined chase.

Earlier, Blasters found themselves in trouble at 42 for three in the 13th over after being put into bat. However, captain Muneeba Ali and Iram Javed resurrected the innings with a crucial 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Muneeba scored a well-crafted 50 runs from 75 balls, while Iram contributed 49 runs from 69 deliveries, including three boundaries and two sixes. However, after their dismissals, Blasters struggled to maintain momentum, eventually being bowled out for 190 runs in their allotted 45 overs. Masooma Zahra starred with the ball for Challengers, claiming an impressive four-wicket haul, while Sadia Iqbal provided valuable support with three wickets.

With this victory, Challengers will carry momentum into their last round match against Dynamites on Friday. The top two teams from the tournament will compete in the final on Sunday.

Brief Scores:
Challengers beat Blasters by five wickets
Blasters: 190 all out in 45 overs (Muneeba Ali 50, Iram Javed 49; Syeda Masooma Zahra 4-34, Sadia Iqbal 3-34)
Challengers: 192-5 in 41.2 overs (Javeria Rauf 82, Omaima Sohail 75; Anam Amin 2-42)
Player of the Match: Javeria Rauf (Challengers)