A commanding half-century from captain Imam-ul-Haq and a devastating bowling performance from Mohammad Ismaeel powered Multan Region to a comprehensive 74-run victory over Karachi Blues in the National T20 Cup.
The match was played at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, where Multan secured their second consecutive win in the tournament.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Multan Region posted a strong total of 201-6 in 20 overs.
The innings began with an explosive 70-run opening partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Naeem. Naeem provided early momentum, scoring 39 runs from 25 balls, including seven fours and a six, before he was dismissed by Asad Akhtar.
Following Naeem’s dismissal, Imam found solid support from Bismillah Khan, and the pair added another 70 runs for the third wicket, strengthening Multan’s position.
Imam anchored the innings with a fluent 71 off 40 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes, and brought up his half-century in impressive fashion. Bismillah Khan contributed with a quick 34 from 23 balls, hitting two fours and a six.
Multan’s innings received a late boost from Waseem Akram, who remained unbeaten on 22 from just eight balls, smashing three fours and a six to push the total past 200.
For Karachi Blues, Shahnawaz Dahani was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets.
Chasing a challenging target of 202, Karachi Blues struggled to build momentum and were eventually bowled out for 127 in 15.4 overs.
Opener Usman Khan was the top scorer for Karachi with 43 runs off 23 balls, but he received little support from the rest of the batting lineup as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Left-arm spinner Mohammad Ismaeel played a key role in dismantling Karachi’s batting order, finishing with impressive figures of 3-25 in three overs.
He was well supported by Arafat Minhas, who took two wickets, while Waseem Akram, Sirajuddin, Amir Yamin, Moheer Saeed, and Muhammad Naeem each claimed one wicket.
Multan Region’s strong batting display followed by a disciplined bowling performance sealed a convincing 74-run victory over Karachi Blues in the ongoing National T20 Cup.
