LAHORE: The ABS Developers present University of Lahore National T20 Cup Qualifier witnessed another action-packed evening at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as Karachi Region Blues and Quetta Region registered crucial victories in Matches 13 and 14, strengthening their positions in Pool A.
Karachi Blues continued their unbeaten run, defeating Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Region by five wickets to secure their third consecutive win. Asked to bat first, AJK posted 152-7 in 20 overs, anchored by Hasnain Nadeem’s 59 off 52 balls. He shared valuable partnerships with Umar Hayat (10) and Arsalan Mehzood (28), while late contributions from the lower order pushed the total past 150. Karachi’s bowling was spearheaded by Wahaj Riaz (3-20) and Rehman Ghani (3-24).
In reply, Karachi Blues overcame early setbacks to chase down the target in 18.5 overs. Skipper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori top-scored with a composed 50 off 37 balls, supported by Mohammad Usman Rahim (33 off 19). Wahaj Riaz capped his all-round performance with a late cameo of 15 not out, guiding Karachi to victory. For AJK, pacer Faizan Saleem (3-21) was the standout bowler.
The win placed Karachi Blues firmly on the cusp of qualification, with six points from three matches, making them strong contenders for the main round.
In the second fixture, Quetta Region outclassed Dera Murad Jamali Region by 62 runs. Batting first, Quetta posted 186-6, powered by a 103-run second-wicket stand between Yasir Khan (45) and Bismillah Khan (51 off 32 balls). Despite a mid-innings collapse, late fireworks from Salahuddin (24 off 11) and Mohammad Ibrahim Snr (27 not out off 10) lifted the total.
DM Jamali’s chase faltered early, reduced to 18-3 inside four overs by pacer Khalil Ahmed (3-36). Though Ghulam Raza (52 off 39) and Mohammad Huzaifa (29) rebuilt with a 68-run stand, the target proved too steep. Ibrahim Snr starred with the ball as well, claiming 3-15, restricting DM Jamali to 124-6 in 20 overs.
With this win, Quetta registered their second victory of the tournament, drawing level with Islamabad on points and keeping their qualification hopes alive.
