LAHORE: Bahawalpur Region produced a commanding performance to clinch the National T20 Cup Qualifier title, ending Karachi Region Blues’ unbeaten streak with a resounding 59-run victory in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Tuesday night.
Both teams have already secured their places in the upcoming 10-team National T20 Cup 2026, but Bahawalpur’s triumph underlined their growing momentum. Batting first, Bahawalpur posted 172-5 in 20 overs, thanks to a blistering knock from skipper Muhammad Imran, who smashed 80 off 37 balls with five fours and six sixes. His innings transformed the match after Bahawalpur had managed just 45 runs in the first 10 overs. Imran first added 45 runs with Mohammad Ammar (30 off 36 balls) before unleashing a devastating 82-run stand with Mohammad Faizan Zafar (35 off 15 balls), ensuring a strong finish.
Karachi Blues, who had dominated Pool A with four straight wins, faltered in their chase. Despite Ahsan Ali’s 43 off 29 balls, the side collapsed spectacularly from 93-3 to 113 all out in 16 overs, losing seven wickets for just 20 runs. Bahawalpur’s bowlers were relentless, with Ali Shabbir (3-21) leading the charge, while Mohammad Umair, Mohammad Junaid, and Mohammad Basit chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Off-spinner Wahaj Riaz capped off a stellar tournament by taking 2-22, earning both the Best Bowler and Player of the Tournament awards. For Karachi Blues, the defeat marked their first setback of the campaign, while Bahawalpur celebrated their fourth consecutive win after recovering from an opening loss to Rawalpindi.
