MULTAN: Balochistan registered their fifth win at the National T20 Cup on Thursday, when they beat Northern by five wickets here at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The victory came courtesy an unbeaten half-century by Haris Sohail and a last-over onslaught by Amad Butt.

Requiring 13 off the final over bowled by Zaman Khan, right-handed Amad clubbed the first two deliveries for sixes to help his side overhaul the 169-run target with three balls to spare. Amad returned undefeated on 15 off six balls.

Balochistan were well on course towards the target early in their innings as they scored above seven runs an over in the powerplay losing only opener Haseebullah in the fourth over.

The departure of Ali Waqas (19 off 15) and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (27 off 17) in quick succession had put breaks on the run chase. Shan Masood — who has scored two half-centuries in the tournament — failed to make an impact in the match as he had to return back to the pavilion after a run-a-ball 11, which included one four.

After Shan’s departure in the 11th over with 76 runs on the board, left-handed Haris was joined by another southpaw Hussain Talat.

The pair collaborated for 68 runs for the fifth wicket before Hussain was dismissed by Zaman for 31 off 22 balls.

An unbroken partnership of 25 runs from just 11 balls between Amad and Haris helped Balochistan across the line. Player of the match Haris returned unbeaten on 52 off 36, smashing seven fours.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Northern scored 168 for six on the back of an unbeaten half-century from their captain Umar Amin. The left-handed Umar hit 67 off 48.

Mubasir Khan scored 29 and added 73 runs for the fifth wicket with Umar after Northern wobbled at the top of the innings when they slumped to 47 for four.

Balochistan’s Kashif Bhatti, who leaked 39 runs for two wickets in his four overs, was the most successful bowler for his side.

Reuters

NORTHERN 168-6 in 20 overs (Umar Amin 67 not out, Mubasir Khan 29; Kashif Bhatti 2-39); BALOCHISTAN 169-5 in 19.3 overs (Haris Sohail 52 not out, Hussain Talat 31, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 27; Mubasir Khan 2-21).

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2022