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Central Punjab defeat Balochistan by 50 runs to the final of the Pakistan Cup (2022/23)

#BALvCP: Balochistan win the toss and decide to field

#NORvSINDH: Sindh win the toss and decide to field

#KPvSP: Southern Punjab w
 
Central Punjab after 20 overs is at 133 runs for 3. This is despite losing 2 wickets in the first over and Qasim Akram has been the big reason why. Currently at 80 runs off 55 runs despite coming in a very tough situation.

This is modern batting that you would like to see get implemented in Pakistan and I think players like Saim/Qasim play that modern type of game we all want to see.
 
Spectacular innings from Qasim Akram despite his entire team collapsing around him. Finished with 131 runs off 108 balls.
 
Why has Faisal Akram only played 2 matches? He took 6 wickets.. Had he played all the matches like others have 7 to 8, he would have been the top wicket taker..
 
#BALvCP: Central Punjab set Balochistan a target of 241 runs

#NORvSINDH: Northern set Sindh a target of 273 runs

#KPvSP: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa set Southern Punjab a target of 266 runs
 
Why Qasim akram is not playing? Only 2 matches and 6 wickets. Would have been top wicket taker for sure, had he played all 7 to 8 matches
 
MenInG said:
#BALvCP: Central Punjab set Balochistan a target of 241 runs

#NORvSINDH: Northern set Sindh a target of 273 runs

#KPvSP: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa set Southern Punjab a target of 266 runs
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Why Qasim akram is not playing? Only 2 matches and 6 wickets. Would have been top wicket taker for sure, had he played all 7 to 8 matches
 
Faisal has been playing for seconds along with mohammed shehzad top performers so included in 1sts last two matches
 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won by 36 runs.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 265-9 (50 ov)
Southern Punjab: 229-10 (45 ov)

==

Sindh won by 5 wickets.

Northern: 272-8 (50 ov)
Sindh: 273-5 (48 ov)

==

Central Punjab won by 17 runs.

Central Punjab: 240-10 (43 ov)
Balochistan: 223-9 (50 ov)
 
With a brilliant 131 off 108, young all-rounder Qasim Akram starred in Central Punjab’s 17-run win over Balochistan at the State Bank Stadium.

The right-hander smashed 12 fours and five sixes and stitched a crucial 104-run partnership with opener Mohammad Faizan, who made 51 off 53, after Central Punjab lost first two wickets for no score.

Central Punjab were eventually bowled out for 240 in 43 overs as the next best score after Faizan’s 51 was 13 from Irfan Khan and Usama Mir.

Balochistan could muster 223 for nine in reply despite the scores of 51 from Haseebullah, 49 from Bismillah Khan, 45 from Asad Shafiq and 40 from Amad Butt.

Aamer Yamin took three wickets for 39 and Usama accounted for two batters.

At the UBL Sports Complex, a breezy 99 not out off 129 by Omair Bin Yousuf (eight fours) helped Sindh check off 273 runs against Northern.

With the scores of 69 and 50, Sharjeel Khan and Danish Aziz were other notable run getters as Sindh chased down the target in 48 overs with five wickets spare.

Earlier, Anwar Ali took three wickets, while Mohammad Hasnain and Asif Mehmood equally shared four wickets between them as Northern managed 272 for eight.

Umair Masood and Umar Akmal, batting at seven and six, respectively, played crucial knocks of run-a-ball 68 and 65-ball 53 after the top order failed to put impressive performances.

Sahibzada Farhan’s century and Arshad Iqbal’s four wickets scripted a 36-run win for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over Southern Punjab at the NBP Sports Complex.

Sahibzada made 107 off 117 (five fours and three sixes) to lift Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to 265 for nine. Mohammad Haris was the next best batter with 38, while Waqar Ahmed and Adil Amin made 30 each.

Southern Punjab’s Mohammad Ismail took three wickets for 58 and Faisal Akram took two wickets for 65.

Southern Punjab were bowled out for 229 in 45 overs as Arshad Iqbal dismissed Sharoon Siraj (30), Arafat Minhas (34), Sameen Gul (one) and Mohammad Ismail (three). Mohammad Amir Khan took three wickets for 32, while Ihsanullah sent two batters back.

Zain Abbas, with 86 off 105, provided a solid start, adding 66 for the first wicket with Mohammad Shahzad (40 off 42), but after Sharoon and Arafat, the next batters couldn’t make the most of it.

Scores in brief:

Central Punjab beat Balochistan by 17 runs at the State Bank Stadium

Central Punjab 240 all out, 43 overs (Qasim Akram 131, Mohammad Faizan 51; Amad Butt 2-30, Khurram Shahzad 2-47, Yasir Shah 2-52, Kashif Bhatti 2-57)

Balochistan 223-9, 50 overs (Haseebullah 51, Bismillah Khan 49, Asad Shafiq 45, Amad Butt 40; Aamer Yamin 3-39, Usama Mir 2-34)

Player of the match – Qasim Akram (Central Punjab)

Sindh beat Northern by five wickets at the UBL Sports Complex

Northern 272-8, 50 overs (Umair Masood 68, Umar Akmal 53, Rohail Nazir 26, Usman Shinwari 23 not out, Mehran Mumtaz 21 not out; Anwar Ali 3-46, Asif Mehmood 2-35, Mohammad Hasnain 2-52)

Sindh 273-5, 48 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 99 not out, Sharjeel Khan 69, Danish Aziz 50; Mehran Mumtaz 2-50)

Player of the match – Omair Bin Yousuf (Sindh)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Southern Punjab by 36 runs at the NBP Sports Complex

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 265-9, 50 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 107, Mohammad Haris 38, Adil Amin 30, Iftikhar Ahmed 25; Mohammad Ismail 3-58, Faisal Akram 2-65)

Southern Punjab 229 all out, 45 overs (Zain Abbas 86, Mohammad Shehzad 40, Arafat Minhas 34, Sharoon Siraj 30; Arshad Iqbal 4-32, Mohammad Amir Khan 3-32, Ihsanullah 2-53)

Player of the match – Sahibzada Farhan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
 
Karachi, 27 December 2022: Central Punjab became the first side to qualify for the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament semifinals, while it was a four-way battle for the remaining three spots after the completion of the ninth and penultimate round of matches.

Central Punjab defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 113 runs at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex to notch up their sixth victory, while the defeat left Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on five wins.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s last league match on Thursday will be against defending champions Balochistan, who defeated Northern by 110 runs at the UBL Sports Complex. This lifted Balochistan to five wins, while the loss left Northern on eight points with four wins.

Northern’s final league match will be against Southern Punjab, who defeated Sindh by four wickets at the State Bank Stadium. Sindh, still on four wins, will take on leaders Central Punjab on Thursday and only a victory will keep them in contention for a place in the semifinal.

Central Punjab’s convincing 113 runs victory was built around Usama Mir’s all-round performance.

After Ahmed Shehzad (71, 91b, 9x4) and Qasim Akram (58, 62b, 5x4, 1x6) helped Central Punjab to score 315 for eight, Usama Mir registered figures of 9-1-45-5 to bowl Khyber Pakhtunkhwa out for 202 in 39.1 overs that revolved around Iftikhar Ahmed’s 66 and Fakhar Zaman’s 52. Usama had earlier scored 29 from 15 balls with a four and three sixes.

Balochistan sent Northern on a leather chase when they scored 387 for seven and then dismissed Northern for 277.

Haris Sohail slapped six fours and four sixes in a 61-ball 92, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai scored a 70-ball 88 with six fours and five sixes, Imran Butt struck 11 fours in almost run-a-ball 83 and Haseebullah scored 59 from 55 balls with 11 fours to put Balochistan in a position where they could dictate terms.

Northern failed to maintain the required run-rate of 7.76 and eventually collapsed to 277 all-out in 47.3 overs despite half-centuries by Umair Masood (51) and Umar Akmal (51). Kashif Bhatti was the pick of Balochistan bowlers with four for 48, while Amad Butt and Mohammad Junaid took two wickets apiece.

Southern Punjab faced little challenge in disposing off Sindh by four wickets.

Batting first, Sindh were dismissed for 171 in 47.2 overs with Mohammad Suleman (62) and Danish Aziz (36) being the notable scorers. Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Islam, Faisal Akram and Sharoon Siraj took two wickets each. Opener Mohammad Shehzad led Southern Punjab’s run-chase when he belted five fours and four sixes in a 96-ball 85 as his side reached the victory target with 14.5 overs and four wickets to spare.

Scores in brief (Round 9 of 10)

Southern Punjab beat Sindh by four wickets at State Bank Stadium

Sindh 171 all-out, 47.2 overs (Mohammad Suleman 62, Danish Aziz 36, Faraz Ali 24; Mohammad Ilyas 2-18, Mohammad Ismail 2-20, Faisal Akram 2-28, Sharoon Siraj 2-40)

Southern Punjab 172-6, 35.1 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 85, Usman Salahuddin 34; Shahnawaz Dahani 3-66, Mohammad Hasnain 2-36)

Balochistan beat Northern by 110 runs at UBL Sports Complex

Balochistan 387-7, 50 overs (Haris Sohail 92, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 88, Imran Butt 83, Haseebullah 59, Amad Butt 37; Musa Khan 3-83, Mubasir Khan 2-55)

Northern 277 all-out, 47.3 overs (Umair Masood 51, Umar Akmal 51, Musa Khan 27; Kashif Bhatti 4-48, Amad Butt 2-42, Mohammad Junaid 2-51)

Central Punjab beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 113 runs NBP Sports Complex

Central Punjab 315-8, 50 overs (Ahmed Shehzad 71, Qasim Akram 58, Saif Babar 40, Junaid Ali 37, Usama Mir 29; Mohammad Amir Khan 2-51, Ihsanullah 2-61)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 202 all-out, 39.1 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 66, Fakhar Zaman 52, Mohammad Haris 26; Usama Mir 5-42, Qasim Akram 2-38)
 
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Mohammad Suleman struck a composed half-century for Sindh against SP

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The following players have been made available to their domestic teams for today's Pakistan Cup fixtures:

Naseem Shah

Shahnawaz Dahani

Mohammad Nawaz
 
#CPvSINDH: Sindh win the toss and opt to field

#BALvKP: Balochistan win the toss and opt to field

#NORvSP: Northern win the toss and elect to bat
 
Southern Punjab won by 8 Wickets.

Northern: 120-10 (31.5 ov)
Southern Punjab: 121-2 (15.1 ov)

==

Balochistan won by 7 Wickets.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 133-10 (31 ov)
Balochistan: 137-3 (18.3 ov)
 
Balochistan and Southern Punjab eased through to comprehensive wins over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Northern today in the 10th and final round of the Pakistan Cup to cement their places in the semi-finals of the 50-over tournament in Karachi.

Central Punjab, who have topped the points table with 14 points, will take on fourth-placed Southern Punjab in the first semi-final on 31 December. Defending champions Balochistan, who ended up with 12 points from 10 matches and on the second spot will take on third-positioned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the second semi-final on 1 January. The final of the tournament will be played on 2 January. Both semi-finals and the final will be played at the State Bank Stadium. The semi-finals will be broadcast live on PTV Sports.

In today’s fixture between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the NBP Sports Complex, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after being put into bat, were bowled out for 133 in 31 overs with Fakhar Zaman (32, 37b, 5x4) and Adil Amin (28 not out, 33b, 4x4) adding runs with the bat.

For Balochistan, Mohammad Junaid was the pick of the bowlers with four for 37 from eight overs. Captain Yasir Shah bagged three wickets for 26.

In reply, Balochistan achieved the target inside 19 overs with three wickets down. The opening pair of Haseebullah and Imran Butt knitted 64 runs for the first wicket, with left-handed Haseebullah contributing 53 off 32 balls, smashing 11 fours. Imran, returned undefeated on 63 off 46 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six.

In the contest between table toppers Central Punjab and National T20 winners Sindh, the latter failed to chase down the 311-run target and with that lost a chance to seal a berth in the semi-finals. After being asked to bat first, Central Punjab scored 310 for nine in 50 overs courtesy half-centuries by Ahmed Shehzad (67, 83b, 6x4, 2x6) and Tayyab Tahir (59, 46b, 5x4, 3x6).

For Sindh, Asif Mehmood and Sohail Khan took two wickets apiece.

In return, Sindh got a decent 43-run start provided by southpaws Saim Ayub (15, 20b, 1x4) and Sharjeel Khan (32, 19b, 6x4), but after the departure of both batters, only Faraz Ali coming to bat at number four showed some resistance with a knock of 64 off 80 balls, which included one four and two sixes.

Down the order, skipper Anwar Ali (30, 35b, 4x4) and Sohail Khan (43, 29b, 2x4, 4x6) showed some glimpses of brilliance, but were unable to assist the Sindh side in reaching the target as they were bundled out for 244 with five overs to spare.

For the winning side, Usama Mir grabbed three wickets, while Mohammad Ali and Waqas Maqsood took two wickets each.

In the third contest of the 10th round, Southern Punjab, staged a stunning comeback to qualify for the semi-finals. Before facing Northern in the final round match, Southern Punjab were placed at the bottom of the table with six points from nine games, but a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Northern and getting the 121-run target in the 16th over, not only gave Southern Punjab valuable two points, but also improved their net run-rate which helped them go above Sindh in the points table.

At the UBL Sports Complex, after opting to bat first, Northern were dismissed for 120 in the 32nd over. Mubasir Khan (29, 40b, 5x4) and Umar Amin (25, 44b, 3x4) were the only batters to score in 20s.

For Southern Punjab, Mohammad Umair took four wickets for 19 runs from seven overs, while Sharoon Siraj grabbed three wickets for 32.

In reply, Mohammad Shehzad’s unbeaten 60 off 50 balls, which included eight fours and one six helped his side chase down the target in 15.1 overs.

Scores in brief:

Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by seven wickets

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 133 all out, 31 overs (Fakhar Zaman 32, Adil Amin 28 not out; Mohammad Junaid 4-37, Yasir Shah 3-26)

Balochistan 137-3, 18.3 overs (Imran Butt 63 not out, Haseebullah 53; Ihsanullah 2-31)

Central Punjab beat Sindh by 66 runs

Central Punjab 310-9, 50 overs (Ahmed Shehzad 67, Tayyab Tahir 59; Sohail Khan 2-41, Asif Mehmood 2-65)

Sindh 244 all out, 45 overs (Faraz Ali 64, Sohail Khan 43, Sharjeel Khan 32; Usama Mir 3-41, Mohammad Ali 2-43, Waqas Maqsood 2-60)

Southern Punjab beat Northern by eight wickets

Northern 120 all out, 31.5 overs (Mubasir Khan 29, Umar Amin 25; Mohammad Umair 4-19, Sharoon Siraj 3-32)

Southern Punjab 121-2, 15.1 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 60 not out, Sharoon Siraj 37)

Semi-Final Fixtures:

31 December; Central Punjab v Southern Punjab, State Bank Stadium (1st semi-final)

1 January; Balochistan v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, State Bank Stadium (2nd semi-final)
 
Karachi, 30 December 2022:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will aim to complete a hat-trick of Pakistan Cup final appearances when they will take on defending champions Balochistan in the second semi-final on Sunday, 1 January, at the State Bank Sports Complex.

However, in the first semi-final on Saturday at the State Bank Sports Complex will be a Punjab Derby when 2020-21 finalists and table-toppers Central Punjab will take on fourth-placed Southern Punjab. Both the semifinals will be live-streamed on the PCB YouTube Channel.

Southern Punjab, who were at the bottom of the table after the ninth and penultimate round, sneaked into the last four stage ahead of Sindh on net run-rate after defeating Northern by eight wickets. Mohammad Umair (four for 19) and Sharoon Siraj (three for 32) shared seven wickets between them to bowl Northern out for a modest 120, which Southern Punjab batters Mohammad Shehzad (60 not out) and Sharoon (37) chased down in 15.1 overs.

In the double round-robin league matches, Central Punjab won the opener by 25 runs before Southern Punjab drew level with a 97-run victory.

Central Punjab’s Tayyab Tahir (444 runs at 44.4) and Qasim Akram (396 at 44) and Ahmed Shehzad (361 at 45) have been the leading run-getters, while bowling honours have been shared between Usama Mir (22), Aamer Yamin (13) and Zafar Gohar (10).

In contrast, Southern Punjab’s Usman Salahuddin has been their lead run-getter with 339 runs at 48.4, while Arafat Minhas (291) and Zain Abbas (254) have been the other notable contributors. Amongst the wicket-takers, Hassan Khan is the pick of their bowler with 14, followed by Mohammad Ilyas (11) and Faisal Akram (10).

Sunday’s semi-final will be a repeat of the 2021-22 final when Balochistan defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets. In the ongoing competition, it is 1-all between the two sides with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa winning by six wickets and Balochistan clinching the repeat match by seven wickets.

Balochistan’s Haseebullah is the leading run-getter of the Pakistan Cup with 504 runs at 50.4 with two centuries and three half-centuries. He is followed by Imran Butt (367) and Amad Butt (331), while wickets have been shared between Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Junaid (16 each) and Amad Butt and Yasir Shah (14 each).

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kamran Ghulam has been their most successful batter with 435 runs, while Waqar Ahmed (375), Sahibzada Farhan (189) and Khushdil Shah (186) have been useful contributions. Ihsanullah with 24 wickets has been their star bowler, followed by Mohammad Amir Khan (11) and Sajid Khan (nine).

Players who have been named amongst 24 probables for the New Zealand ODIs based on their Pakistan Cup performances, will continue to feature in the semifinals and final. These players are: Aamer Jamal (Northern), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haris Sohail (Balochistan), Ihsanullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Haris (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Naseem Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab) and Tayyab Tahir (Central Punjab)

Semi-final line-up:

31 December (1st semi-final) - Central Punjab v Southern Punjab, State Bank Sports Complex

1 January (2nd semi-final) - Balochistan v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, State Bank Sports Complex

2 January (final) - State Bank Sports Complex
 
1st Semi-Final - Pakistan Cup 2022-23

Toss: Central Punjab win the toss and elect to bat
 
CP through to the final of the Pakistan cup with a 82-run win over SP

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Screenshot 2022-12-31 135827.jpg
 
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An incredible display of leg-spin bowling from Usama Mir took Central Punjab to the final of the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 with a thumping 82-run win over Southern Punjab at the State Bank Stadium.

Usama, who became the leading wicket-taker of the tournament in the process, took five wickets for only 23 runs in 5.1 overs with one of them being a maiden.

Southern Punjab were set 232 to win as Tayyab Tahir and Bilawal Bhatti scored fighting half-centuries, but the Usman Salahuddin-led side crumbled in the chase and were bowled out for 149 in 32.1 overs with teenager Arafat Minhas being the top-scorer with 39 off 26.

Central Punjab captain Aamer Yamin and Zafar Gohar took two wickets each.

Earlier, Central Punjab had a wobbly start as both their openers were sent back to the pavilion with just 12 on board, but a crucial 62-run partnership between Junaid Ali, who made 23 off 33, and Tayyab (58 off 56, four sixes and two fours) took them out of trouble.

Zafar scored 37 off 54 and Muhammad Irfan Khan made 32 off 51, before Bilawal smashed 51 not out off 48 in an innings that included four fours and two sixes.

Central Punjab were bowled out for 231 with four balls spare as Sharoon Siraj, Faisal Akram, Hassan Khan and Mohammad Ilyas took two wickets each and Mohammad Ismail accounted for a batter.

Central Punjab’s opponents for the 2 January final will be decided on Sunday when Balochistan – the defending champions – take on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Scores in brief:

Central Punjab 231 all out, 49.2 overs (Tayyab Tahir 58, Bilawal Bhatti 51 not out, Zafar Gohar 37, Muhammad Irfan Khan 32, Junaid Ali 23; Sharoon Siraj 2-28, Hassan Khan 2-31, Mohammad Ilyas 2-35, Faisal Akram 2-50)

Southern Punjab 149 all out, 32.1 overs (Arafat Minhas 39, Yousuf Babar 28, Mohammad Umair 20; Usama Mir 5-23, Aamer Yamin 2-15, Zafar Gohar 2-19)

Player of the match – Usama Mir (Central Punjab)
 
2nd Semi-Final - Pakistan Cup 2022-23

Toss: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa win the toss and decide to field
 
Suicidal batting from Balochistan today. Despite wickets consistently falling, they kept going for big shots & getting out. I get the approach and if the goal is to play more like England than it is certainly the approach that needs to encouraged & backed but their biggest mistakes was the running between the wickets. Absurd running and I think they have been run out 3 times with Amad Butt being the most ridiculous one. A shame because he was looking so good & set too.

Despite all that, they are at 231 runs after 40 runs & 8 wickets down. If they had saved a few, they could have had a really great score.
 
Nasty Naz said:
Suicidal batting from Balochistan today. Despite wickets consistently falling, they kept going for big shots & getting out. I get the approach and if the goal is to play more like England than it is certainly the approach that needs to encouraged & backed but their biggest mistakes was the running between the wickets. Absurd running and I think they have been run out 3 times with Amad Butt being the most ridiculous one. A shame because he was looking so good & set too.

Despite all that, they are at 231 runs after 40 runs & 8 wickets down. If they had saved a few, they could have had a really great score.
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Tail-enders done well

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KP struggling but an important phase of the game

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Defending champions Balochistan stormed into the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 final when they defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 38 runs on Sunday to set Monday’s final date with Central Punjab.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Balochistan, batting first, recovered to post an imposing 302 for eight in the allotted 50 overs and then dismissed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 264 in 47.1 overs in front of PCB cameras at the State Bank Sports Complex.

No.10 batter Kashif Bhatti belted five fours and four sixes in a 48-ball 69 not out and dominated the 89-run unbroken ninth wicket stand with Yasir Shah (17 not out) to lift Balochistan to 302 for eight after they have slipped to 213 for eight. He then picked up a wicket conceding 43 runs to walk away with the player of the match award.

Earlier, Balochistan, put into bat, were in dire straits when they plunged to 138 for six with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Iftikhar Ahmed picking up the scalps of the top three batters - Imran Butt (29), Mohammad Junaid (22) and Haseebullah (20) - to finish with three for 52.

At that stage, Bismillah Khan and Amad Butt put on 70 runs for the seventh wicket to take their side to 208 for six. Bismillah scored a 53-ball 65 with six fours and two sixes, while Amad contributed 27 from 21 balls with two fours and two sixes.

However, the departure of Bismillah and Amad in a space of five runs, shifted the pressure back on Balochistan before Kashif Bhatti came to the party and not only helped his side post a commanding score but also entertained a decent holiday crowd with his lusty hitting.

In their run-chase, three Khyber Pakhtunkhwa batters reached half-centuries but none of them were able to convert these scores into match-winning performances as Balochistan’s Amad Butt returned figures of 8.1-1-52-4 to steal the limelight.

No.7 batter Adil Amin top-scored with 76 (67 balls, 6x4, 3x6), followed by Mohammad Haris (63, 54b, 6x4, 1x6) and Sahibzada Farhan (57, 55b, 5x4, 1x6).

The highest partnership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s innings was for the sixth wicket when Adil and Haris put on 72 runs for the sixth wicket after their side had slipped to 127 for five.

Scores in brief:

Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 38 runs, State Bank Sports Complex

Balochistan 302-8, 50 overs (Kashif Bhatti 69 not out, Bismillah Khan 65, Imran Butt 29, Amad Butt 27; Iftikhar Ahmed 3-52)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 264 all out, 47.1 overs (Adil Amin 76, Mohammad Haris 63, Sahibzada Farhan 57; Amad Butt 4-52, Khurram Shahzad 2-38, Mohammad Junaid 2-64)

Player of the match – Kashif Bhatti (Balochistan)

Monday’s final: Central Punjab v Balochistan, State Bank Sports Complex
 
Toss: Central Punjab win the toss and elect to bat
 
Final - Pakistan Cup 2022-23

Innings Break Update!

Central Punjab set Balochistan a target of 255 runs.

Central Punjab: 254-10 (48.2 ov)
 
Central Punjab defeated Balochistan by 50 runs to win the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 title at the State Bank Sports Complex on Monday.

Defending 255, Central Punjab fought back to claim the last five Balochistan wickets for 55 runs to dismiss the defending champions for 204 in 42.3 overs. Fast bowler Ali Shafique destroyed Balochistan’s middle-order by dismissing Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (4), Asad Shafiq (0) and Haris Sohail (8) to finish with impressive figures of 7-2-17-3.

Ali was well supported by fellow fast bowler Mohammad Ali, who came back strongly in his final spell to claim the wickets of Bismillah Khan and Yasir Shah to end with figures of two for 31. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar snapped up the wickets of Imran Butt (30) and Amad Butt (seven) to end with two for 32.

Bismillah Khan fought a lone battle for Balochistan and finished as the top-scorer with 70 from 77 balls. His innings was studded with eight fours. Together with Mohammad Junaid (27), Bismillah put on 65 runs for the sixth wicket after Balochistan had slipped from 60 for no loss to 84 for five.
Earlier, batting first after winning the toss, Central Punjab failed to fully capitalise on a 61-run first wicket partnership between Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Faizan to be dismissed for 254 in 48.2 overs, including losing their last eight wickets for 109 runs.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Junaid was the wrecker-in-chief of Central Punjab’s batting when he picked up the wickets of Ahmed Shehzad, Qasim Akram, Zafar Gohar, Usama Mir and Mohammad Ali to finish with impressive figures of 10-0-56-5.

Faizan scored 37 runs from 33 balls with three fours and two sixes before falling to Kashif Bhatti, who added the scalp of Junaid Ali (one) to finish with figures of two for 36.

At 65 for two in 13.1 overs, Ahmed Shehzad was joined by top-scorer Tayyab Tahir and put on 80 runs for the third wicket before Junaid dismissed Ahmed and Qasim Akram off successive deliveries to reduce Central Punjab to 145 for four in 27.5 overs. Ahmed contributed 61 from 87 balls with three fours and a six.

Tayyab, in association with Zafar Gohar (30), then carried the score to 195 before his run-out in the 37th over derailed Central Punjab’s progression as the last five wickets tumbled for the addition of 59 runs in 71 balls – thanks to a 31-ball 34 by captain Aamer Yamin with two fours and a six.

While Tayyab Tahir was adjudged player of the final, Amad Butt of Balochistan was declared player of the Pakistan Cup. By virtue of winning the title, Central Punjab received a winners cheque of PKR5million, whereas Balochistan had to settle with the cash award of PKR2.5million.

The Pakistan Cup also brought an end to the 2022-23 domestic cricket season. Sindh won the National T20 and Northern won the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, while Central Punjab swept the CA T20, CA Championship and CA Challenge tournament. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won the National U19 Cup, while Sindh won the National U19 Championship.

Scores in brief:

Central Punjab beat Balochistan by 50 runs, State Bank Sports Complex

Central Punjab 254 all-out, 48.2 overs (Tayyab Tahir 71, Ahmed Shehzad 61, Mohammad Faizan 37, Aamer Yamin 34, Zafar Gohar 30; Mohammad Junaid 5-56; Kashif Bhatti 2-36)

Balochistan 204 all-out, 42.3 overs (Bismillah Khan 70, Imran Butt 30, Haseebullah 27, Mohammad Junaid 27; Ali Shafique 3-17, Mohammad Ali 2-31, Zafar Gohar 2-32)

Player of the final – Tayyab Tahir (Central Punjab)

Player of the Pakistan Cup: Amad Butt (Balochistan); 365 runs and 19 wickets

Best Batter of the Pakistan Cup: Tayyab Tahir (Central Punjab); 573 Runs

Best Bowler of the Pakistan Cup: Usama Mir (Central Punjab); 28 wickets

Best Wicketkeeper of the Pakistan Cup: Haseebullah (Balochistan); 551 Runs, 10 dismissals (eight catches and 2 stumps)
 
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