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National T20 Cup 2026: Discussion Thread [from March 7 to March 18]

What is there to gain with Imam ul Haq occupying an opening position for a domestic T20 competition??

Forget batters, what are bowlers supposed to learn bowling to him in the powerplay??
 
Now that is a fantastic knock from Shahzaib. Showed power hitting ability and he has a pretty good offside game. The knock shows he should be a much better player than his 73 SR in List A. It's a mindset thing to take more risks to hit boundaries so your SR doesn't fall behind.

His feet always seem planted much Farhan. My guess is that's likely the reason for his SR issue. Farhan started tapping more into his power to overlook some of these issues and Shahzaib may need to do the same. A very encouraging knock and hope to see more of it.
He's a proper player. I think he will only continue to improve.
 
Shahzaib and Shamyl are definitely going to be our long term openers. The likes of Saim and Maaz will miss out if they don’t play in the middle order
 
Abbottabad Region and Multan Region emerged victorious against Karachi Region Blues and Lahore Region Blues, respectively, in the fourth day of the ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2026 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on Tuesday night.

In the first match, Kamran Ghulam’s unbeaten 81 off 42 balls, his second consecutive half-century, along with Shahzaib Khan’s 75 off 38 deliveries, powered Abbottabad to an eight-wicket win chasing 202. This marked Abbottabad’s second successive successful chase over 200 runs, having previously overhauled Multan’s 204 in their opening match.

After losing an early wicket, Kamran and Shahzaib shared a 115-run partnership for the second wicket off just 58 balls. Shahzaib registered his third T20 half-century, hitting 11 fours and three sixes before departing in the 12th over. Kamran then teamed up with Khushdil Shah, adding an unbeaten 70-run stand off 29 balls, with Kamran finishing 81 (11x4, 2x6)* and Khushdil unbeaten on 38 off 16.

Earlier, Karachi Blues posted 201-4, led by Ahsan Ali’s 67 off 36 balls (7x4, 4x6) and Jahanzaib Sultan’s 42 off 29 (2x4, 3x6), putting together an 88-run opening stand. Usman Khan added 39, while Saad Baig contributed 26. For Abbottabad, Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 2-32 in four overs, supported by Arshad Iqbal and Shahab Khan, who took one wicket each.

In the second game, Multan edged Lahore Region Blues by three runs, thanks to all-round efforts from Aamer Yamin and Arafat Minhas. Rain interrupted play, leaving 11 runs required off the final over. Aamer’s composure, bowling precise yorkers, restricted Lahore to just enough to secure a thrilling win.

Earlier, Lahore’s Umar Siddiq scored a 91-ball 91 (13x4, 3x6) and forged a 79-run fifth-wicket partnership with Ali Razzaq (45 off 26, 2x4, 4x6). However, late breakthroughs by Aamer Yamin, Arafat Minhas, Sirajuddin, and Moheer Saeed tilted the game in Multan’s favor.

Batting first, Multan posted 200-6, with Muhammad Shahzad scoring 54 off 40 (3x4, 4x6). From 147-4 in the 17th over, a late surge by Arafat Minhas (35 off 17, 2x4, 2x6), Aamer Yamin (24, 8b, 3x4, 2x6)**, and Waseem Akram Jr. (17, 7b, 3x4) took them past 200. Bismillah Khan also contributed 27 off 23 balls. For Lahore, Mohammad Rizwan was the pick of the bowlers with 3-39.

On Wednesday, Faisalabad face Bahawalpur, while Karachi Whites take on Peshawar in Group A fixtures.
 
It was a bad idea to renovate this stadium when even Gymkhana club ground was the better option. The location isn't even ideal so they had the opportunity to build something entirely new away from the old city center.

That said, it has taken them ten years to build this stadium so this is the best that they have.
Agreed. I believe foreign players will always be reluctant to travel to Peshawar and more so right in the middle of the city. They would have been better served looking to building a stadium in Hayatabad area.
 
Yaar aaj uske walid sab ki yaad aa gayi

He showed glimpses of that brutal clean striking against pace the way his dad used to for Pakistan at the back end. Was wonderful to see!
Agreed Siraj is one of the quickest in domestics. It's a shame thah his bowling is pretty useless even for domestic otherwise he could have been a solid prospect.
 
Shahzaib and Shamyl are definitely going to be our long term openers. The likes of Saim and Maaz will miss out if they don’t play in the middle order
Saim is far ahead as a batsmen of the names you have mentioned. He needs to get his act together.
 
Agreed Siraj is one of the quickest in domestics. It's a shame thah his bowling is pretty useless even for domestic otherwise he could have been a solid prospect.
I remember Siraj last year or in the Champion’s cup was bowling very good and looked like he was 145kmh, but was very disappointed today as he didn’t look sharp or lethal like he was last year or so.

Siraj and that guy Salman are well built pacers with the right kind of height and action…

PCB haven’t been taking care of them.
 
Kamran Ghulam does well again.

Would love to see him in the T20 and odi side.

T20, if we can get Farhan and Maaz as openers:
Nos 3 to 6 are open and Ghulam is someone that can score quick etc.
 
Kamran Ghulam does well again.

Would love to see him in the T20 and odi side.

T20, if we can get Farhan and Maaz as openers:
Nos 3 to 6 are open and Ghulam is someone that can score quick etc.
Next T20i World Cup is in Australia

And Saim is your man for those conditions
 
Next T20i World Cup is in Australia

And Saim is your man for those conditions
Good shout but standby the nos 3 to 6 are open bhai.

Really wany to see Kamran get an extended run in the side, he can score quickly.
 
I remember Siraj last year or in the Champion’s cup was bowling very good and looked like he was 145kmh, but was very disappointed today as he didn’t look sharp or lethal like he was last year or so.

Siraj and that guy Salman are well built pacers with the right kind of height and action…

PCB haven’t been taking care of them.
Agreed both of them should be pretty good but they are not. Salman has a beautiful action and moves the ball too but his wayward. Both of them have good potential but unfortunately with lack of professional set up it will be a long list of players who's potential didn't translate into anything substantial.
 
Some decent talent popping up so far... Good to see likes of Kamran getting his repo built as a solid middle order batter as he was wrongly sidelined for some trundlers and fake all-rounders.
 
Some decent talent popping up so far... Good to see likes of Kamran getting his repo built as a solid middle order batter as he was wrongly sidelined for some trundlers and fake all-rounders.
Gulam i dont think has much potential internationally but if he carries his form surely deserves a chance
 
Gulam i dont think has much potential internationally but if he carries his form surely deserves a chance
He was wrongly sidelined from ODI side like many others... he is certainly making his case for a comeback
 
Impressed by the quality of young talent in both batting and pace bowling, spin looking a bit thin but we have plenty of spinners already
 
Poor game awareness, although looking at this shot from Shamyl on his debut, this bloke isn't too smart either.
Saim is too good not to come through eventually, or at least that's what I am hoping for. Ability wise I believe saim is far better than all of them.
 
Saim is too good not to come through eventually, or at least that's what I am hoping for. Ability wise I believe saim is far better than all of them.
He's not doing much in T20s at least, 60+ games is a lot of games.

ODIs and Test cricket maybe he can carve a decent career for himself.
 
He's not doing much in T20s at least, 60+ games is a lot of games.

ODIs and Test cricket maybe he can carve a decent career for himself.
Agreed he's been useless in t20s so far but he will come good. Unfortunately we don't have many solid options too.
 
ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2025-26

Toss Update!

Bahawalpur won the toss and elect to bat first against Faisalabad at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar
 
Match 9: Faisalabad Region beat Bahawalpur Region by six wickets at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

Bahawalpur 158 all out, 19.5 overs (Mohammad Faizan Zafar 36, Daniyal Hussain Rajput 25, Mohammad Sarwar 22; Zaman Khan 3-30, Momin Qamar 2-22, Afaq Ahmad Afridi 2-40)

Faisalabad 164-4, 17.5 overs (Atiq-ur-Rehman 94, Mohammad Awais Zafar 25: Mohammad Basit 3-23)

Player of the match: Atiq-ur-Rehman (Faisalabad Region)
 
Match 9: Faisalabad Region beat Bahawalpur Region by six wickets at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

Bahawalpur 158 all out, 19.5 overs (Mohammad Faizan Zafar 36, Daniyal Hussain Rajput 25, Mohammad Sarwar 22; Zaman Khan 3-30, Momin Qamar 2-22, Afaq Ahmad Afridi 2-40)

Faisalabad 164-4, 17.5 overs (Atiq-ur-Rehman 94, Mohammad Awais Zafar 25: Mohammad Basit 3-23)

Player of the match: Atiq-ur-Rehman (Faisalabad Region)
Lots of 90s this season
 
National T20 Cup 2025-26

Match 10 - Toss update

Peshawar won the toss and elected bowl to first against Karachi whites at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium Peshawar.
 
National T20 Cup 2025-26

Match 10 - Toss update

Peshawar won the toss and elected bowl to first against Karachi whites at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium Peshawar.
National T20 Cup 2025-26

Match 10 update

Match has been called off due to rain.
 
Atiq hits 94 as Faisalabad beat Bahawalpur to earn their first victory

•Karachi Whites v Peshawar fixture abandoned due to rain

Peshawar, 11 March 2026:

Atiq-ur-Rehman’s blistering 94 helped Faisalabad Region secure their first win of the tournament while chasing the 159-run target against Bahawalpur Region in match nine of ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2026 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on Wednesday night.

In pursuit of the target, Faisalabad lost two wickets for 38 runs in 5.3 overs as Mohammad Azab and Mohammad Basit struck in back-to-back overs. Player of the match Atiq then knitted a deciding 93-run partnership with Muhammad Awais Zafar who contributed 25 off 24 balls, aided by a solitary four and a six.

Awais departed in the 15th over with 131 on the board, leaving Faisalabad comfortably sitting 28 runs away from victory off 32 balls. Atiq fell six shy off his maiden T20 hundred, finishing on a 51-ball 94 inclusive of 15 fours and a solitary six as the scoreboard read 151.

Asif Ali (14 not out, 8b, 1x6) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (11 not out, 6b, 1x4, 1x6) took Faisalabad home with 13 balls to spare. For Bahawalpur, Basit returned figures of 4-0-23-3.

Earlier, Bahawalpur were bowled out for 158 in 19.5 overs. Zaman Khan returned figures of 3.5-0-30-3, while left-arm wrist-spinner Momin Qamar (4-0-22-2) and Afaq Afridi (4-0-40-2) shared four wickets among them.

For Bahawalpur, opening batter Mohammad Faizan Zafar top scored with 36 off 27 balls featuring four fours and two sixes. No.7 batter Daniyal Hussain Rajput (25, 24b, 3x4s) and no.6 Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (22, 17b, 2x4s) made meaningful contributions as well to lift their team from 91-5 and 115-7.

The second Group A match of the night between Karachi Region Whites and Peshawar Region was abandoned due to persistent rain without a ball being bowled. Although, the toss had taken place with Peshawar opting to bowl first.

The no-result meant both sides took a point each, while Karachi Whites moved to the top of Group A with five points off three matches. Lahore Whites are placed second with four points off two games.

Faisalabad are third with just two points and face the prospect of a must-win game against fourth-placed Peshawar. Bahawalpur is yet to get off the mark.

On Thursday in Group B, No.5 placed Sialkot will be up against fourth-placed Lahore Blues, while second-placed Karachi Blues will face Multan, who are third on the table. The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Scores in brief:

Match 9: Faisalabad Region beat Bahawalpur Region by six wickets at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

Bahawalpur 158 all out, 19.5 overs (Mohammad Faizan Zafar 36, Daniyal Hussain Rajput 25, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi 22; Zaman Khan 3-30, Momin Qamar 2-22, Afaq Ahmad Afridi 2-40)

Faisalabad 164-4, 17.5 overs (Atiq-ur-Rehman 94, Mohammad Awais Zafar 25: Mohammad Basit 3-23)

Player of the match: Atiq-ur-Rehman (Faisalabad Region)

Match 10: Karachi Region Whites v Peshawar Region at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar

Match abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled

Thursday’s Fixtures

Sialkot v Lahore Blues at 4.30pm PKT

Karachi Blues v Multan at 9.30pm PKT
 
Match 11 - Toss update

Lahore blues won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sialkot at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium Peshawar.
 
hamza zahoor who was pretty awful in u19 world cup has hit a few lusty blows
He did hit a few against India in the Asia cup final along with a match winning knock against Afghanistan. He's a much better prospect then Saad baig. Far better keeper and can hit.
 
Again no sameer minhas best un19 batter yet subhan farhan even hamza zahoor all playin
 
Usman khan with a drop reminiscent of Kamran akmal drops. One of the worst drops in decent times.
 
These Karachi blues guys are useless

Usman Khan is basically playing with 10 tailenders in his side!
 
Saad baig is as awful as he was in u19. Thought he had improved a bit. He seems a tail ender. How is he dominating the charts in FC tournament?
 
Usama Mir claimed six wickets while Abdullah Shafique struck a half-century as Sialkot Region thrashed Lahore Region Blues by 110 runs. In the other match, Imam-ul-Haq’s 71 guided Multan Region to a 74-run win over Karachi Region Blues in the sixth round of the ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2026 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.

Defending 210, Usama produced a sensational spell, taking six wickets for just eight runs in 3.2 overs to dismiss Lahore Blues for 100. His outstanding performance earned him the joint seventh-best bowling figures in T20 cricket and marked the first six-wicket haul by a Pakistani bowler in the format.

Lahore Blues had a promising start with a 55-run second-wicket stand between Umar Siddiq (31 off 23, six fours) and Hamza Zahoor (37 off 23, two fours and three sixes). However, none of the other batters managed to reach double figures as they collapsed to 100 all out in 14.2 overs, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs. Sufyan Moqim supported his captain well with figures of 2 for 26 in three overs.

Earlier, Sialkot posted a strong total of 210 for four in their 20 overs. After losing both openers by the 5.1-over mark with 50 runs on the board, Abdullah Shafique and Hasan Nawaz steadied the innings with an 80-run partnership. Abdullah scored 57 off 31 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, before being dismissed in the 12th over.

Hasan Nawaz followed soon after, scoring 41 from 28 deliveries with three fours and two sixes. Mohsin Riaz and Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti then added an unbeaten 76-run stand to push Sialkot past the 200 mark. Mohsin remained not out on 30 from 26 balls, while Ahsan blasted 47 off just 17 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes.

In the second match of the night, Multan Region defeated Karachi Blues by 74 runs while defending 201 for six.

After being asked to bat, captain Imam-ul-Haq led from the front with a brilliant 71 off 40 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes. He also shared a 70-run opening partnership with Mohammad Naeem, who contributed 39 from 25 deliveries with seven fours and a six.

Wicketkeeper-batter Bismillah Khan added 34 from 23 balls and shared a 70-run stand for the third wicket with Imam. Karachi Blues struck back with three quick wickets in the 16th, 17th and 18th overs, reducing Multan to 168 for five in 17.3 overs.

Waseem Akram Jnr provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 22 off just eight balls, hitting three fours and a six. For Karachi Blues, Shahnawaz Dahani picked up two wickets for 39 runs in his four overs.

In reply, Karachi Blues were bowled out for 127 in 15.4 overs. Mohammad Ismail led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 25 in three overs, while Arafat Minhas supported well with 2 for 25 in 2.4 overs.

Usman Khan and Mehran Mumtaz offered some resistance with a 48-run partnership after Karachi Blues had slipped to 56 for five in 7.4 overs. Usman scored 43 off 24 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. He also struck two consecutive sixes off the first two deliveries of the 12th over bowled by Moheer Saeed before being dismissed on the third ball.

On Friday, Faisalabad will face Peshawar as both sides look for their first win of the tournament, while Bahawalpur will meet Lahore Whites in the other fixture.
 
These Karachi blues guys are useless

Usman Khan is basically playing with 10 tailenders in his side!
Karachi blues making Usman Khan look like some juggernaut... This shows how pathetic other players are...
 
Who was the left arm seamer for Faisalabad? Shahzad?

The new Salman Mirza
 
Can play spin good... Gun fielder... Very good bloke if groomed properly will be a good asset to have.
Have you seen Saad Khan against England lions? He looked worse than a tailender and was getting late on every ball he faced.

He was literally batting like Ahmed Hussain of U19 against real bowlers.
 
3 140k+ bowlers which were unknown to me before. Khalil Ahmed , Ali Shabbir and Muhammad Shoaib and one 145k+ bower in Rizwanullah.

Moheer Saeed and Farhan Yousuf if improve in future can play for national side and so as Shahzaib Khan.
None of them are 140k bowlers. The amount of times you have said a random bowler is 140k, weust have 100s of them.
 
ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2025-26

Match 15 - Toss update

Abbottabad won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sialkot at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium Peshawar.
 
Incredible batting on display by two youngsters for Sialkot. Hasan Nawaz and Abdullah Shafique are taking Shadab's Abottatabad attack apart.
 
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