Stellar Bowling Performances Shine Bright in Fourth Round of National Women’s T20 Tournament

The fourth round of the National Women’s T20 Tournament showcased exhilarating cricketing action across three venues in two cities, where teams battled fiercely for victory and supremacy. Let’s delve into the highlights of the matches that unfolded on this exciting day.

Quetta vs. Lahore at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

In a thrilling encounter at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Lahore continued their unbeaten streak by defeating Quetta by six wickets. Quetta, opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 115-7 in 20 overs, thanks to a solid start provided by Fareeha Mahmood and Dua Majid. However, Lahore’s bowlers, led by Nashra Sandhu and Ghulam Fatima, kept the pressure on Quetta’s batting lineup, restricting their scoring rate. Despite a valiant effort from Tuba Hassan (36 not out), Quetta couldn’t defend their total against Lahore’s determined chase.

Chasing 116 for victory, Lahore faced some early setbacks but ultimately cruised to victory with an unbeaten 53-run partnership between skipper Nida Dar (38 not out) and Sidra Nawaz (26 not out). Nida Dar’s brilliant performance earned her the well-deserved player of the match award.

Rawalpindi vs. Karachi at Ayub Park Ground, Rawalpindi

In another gripping contest, Karachi emerged victorious against Rawalpindi by 21 runs at the Ayub Park Ground. Karachi, batting first, posted a challenging total of 130-6, courtesy of contributions from Muneeba Ali, Yusra Amir, and Syeda Aroob Shah. Rawalpindi’s bowlers, led by Tania Saeed, put up a spirited effort but couldn’t prevent Karachi from setting a competitive target.

In reply, Rawalpindi faltered in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite gritty performances from Aima Saleem (24) and Waheeda Akhtar (23), Rawalpindi fell short of the target, managing only 109-9 in their allotted 20 overs. Maham Manzoor’s exceptional bowling performance, picking up two crucial wickets for just three runs, earned her the player of the match award.

Peshawar vs. Multan at Diamond Club Ground, Islamabad

Multan delivered a dominant performance against Peshawar, securing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory at the Diamond Club Ground. Peshawar, opting to bat first, struggled against Multan’s bowling attack and were bowled out for a mere 57 runs in 17.1 overs. Ayesha Bilal was the standout bowler for Multan, claiming three wickets and restricting Peshawar’s batsmen.

In response, Multan chased down the target comfortably in just 11.3 overs, with skipper Gull Feroza leading from the front with an unbeaten 39. Ayesha Bilal’s stellar all-round performance, coupled with Gull Feroza’s batting masterclass, earned them the joint player of the match award.

With these exciting matches concluding the fourth round of the tournament, all eyes are now set on the fifth round, where all six teams will once again lock horns on 22 January. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an enthralling clash between Karachi and Lahore at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium.

Scores in Brief:

1. Lahore beat Quetta by six wickets
   • Quetta: 115-7, 20 overs
   • Lahore: 116-4, 15.1 overs
   • Player of the Match: Nida Dar (Lahore)
2. Karachi beat Rawalpindi by 21 runs
   • Karachi: 130-6, 20 overs
   • Rawalpindi: 109-9, 20 overs
   • Player of the Match: Maham Manzoor (Karachi)
3. Multan beat Peshawar by nine wickets
   • Peshawar: 57 all out, 17.1 overs
   • Multan: 61-1, 11.3 overs
   • Players of the Match: Ayesha Bilal and Gull Feroza (Multan)