National T20 Cup | Match 30 | Southern Punjab [166/3] beat Balochistan [161/6] by 7 wickets

[MenInG]

Balochistan - Haris Sohail (captain), Bismillah Khan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai Akbar-ur-Rehman, Akif Javed, Ammad Butt, Awais Zia, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Butt, Kashif Bhatti, Khurram Shahzad, Taimur Khan, Umaid Asif, Umar Gul, Usama Mir and Yasir Shah


Southern Punjab – Shan Masood (captain), Hussain Talat (vice-captain), Aamir Yamin, Ali Shafiq, Dilbar Hussain, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Imran, Saif Baddar, Sohaib Maqsood, Umer Khan, Umar Siddiq Khan, Zahid Mehmood, Zain Abbas and Zeeshan Ashraf (wicketkeeper).

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI: With three National T20 Cup berths already decided, race for the remaining spot still remains wide open in Rawalpindi after likely contenders Balochistan suffered an inexplicable debacle against reigning champions Northern on Thursday.

Balochistan just required a victory in their penultimate fixture at the Pindi Cricket Stadium to qualify — regardless of results in the remaining three preliminary-round mat*ches — but the last year’s finalists instead went down by 39 runs, while chasing exactly 200.

The outcome of match No.27 has, quite unexpectedly, provided a lifeline to the Babar Azam-led Central Punjab side, which has already completed their 10-game league schedule with a thrilling three-run win against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa late on Wednesday night.

Balochistan came into the match marginally ahead of Central Punjab on net run-rate in fourth place. But these sides swapped positions when Northern cruised to their seventh success while also confirming they’ll finish No. 1 in the final league standings and take on either Central Punjab or Balochistan in Saturday’s first semi-final.

The other last-four clash will be between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, also on Saturday. Sindh were playing their last league-stage encounter against the already-eliminated Southern Punjab when this report was being filed on Thursday.

The scenario which has now emerged is that Balochistan have no choice but to beat Southern Punjab in the last of preliminary-round fixtures on Friday night to go through into the knockout round because they will have two more points than Central Punjab.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1585275/balochistans-defeat-gives-central-punjab-unexpected-lifeline

 

[MenInG]

Balochistan won the toss and elected to bat first

 

[ataullah]

Saif Badar plays FINALLY!!! Let's see whats the hype about

 

[raashidkhan89079]

I am little bit confuse who has more chances to go through semi final if balochistan loses this one i mean imagine Southern punjab winning by maybe 10 wickets will they qualify or central punjab has to only wait for balochistan losing this one and they will qualify

 

[Titan24]

I am little bit confuse who has more chances to go through semi final if balochistan loses this one i mean imagine Southern punjab winning by maybe 10 wickets will they qualify or central punjab has to only wait for balochistan losing this one and they will qualify

NRR of CP is in positive and SP's is in negative as of now. SP will have to win by a certain number of runs or within certain overs, not sure the exact calculations as of yet and hopefully the broadcasters will provide that during the match or before. Wickets dont play a role in NRR so SP winning by 10 wickets or 1 doesnt matter, its the number of overs while chasing and number of runs while defending.

 

[shamaan]

I am little bit confuse who has more chances to go through semi final if balochistan loses this one i mean imagine Southern punjab winning by maybe 10 wickets will they qualify or central punjab has to only wait for balochistan losing this one and they will qualify

Southern punjab need to win by about 70 runs or get the runs in 12 overs something like that.bolochistan need to win the game

 

[shamaan]

Saif Badar plays FINALLY!!! Let's see whats the hype about

He should have been backed from game 1 instead of umer sadiq

 

[MenInG]

 

[Markhor]

This is a crunch game for both teams for that fourth semi final position.

 

[Markhor]

Southern Punjab need to chase this in 12.3 overs.

 

[Zeshan547]

This should be interesting, want CP to qualify due to babar.

 

[Markhor]

What the hell ?! SP might do this !

 

[Zeshan547]

this is some innings from sohaib maqsood and this is some chase, they are going at 16 rpo, are u kidding me.

 

[shamaan]

This should be interesting, want CP to qualify due to babar.

Same here

 

[MMHS]

Maqsood has always been a surprise to me. He has unreal ability to hit the ball but never backed him self, neither his team who often put him at 6/7 to win from hopeless situations. This guy could have been a tremendous top 3 LO player.

 

[Markhor]

This is unreal !

Balochistan need to revert to death over tactics now. Their heads have gone.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

99/1 after 6 overs. Need 63 off 39 balls now.

 

[trickyone]

Wow, bruttal from Shoaib Maqsood

 

[Markhor]

Maqsood gone ! Hell of an effort though.

 

[Markhor]

Khushdil gone too. Huge wicket, Butt bowling in the right area to him wide of off-stump.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

128/3. 34 needed off 21 balls to qualify.

 

[Markhor]

SP need 34 off 21.

Haris needs to use his best bowlers now.

 

[Markhor]

What a straight six from Aamer Yamin ! WOW. Miracle is on.

 

[Markhor]

Sad for Balochistan

They were unlucky with Akif Javed going down with injury, but they just didn't have the batting firepower.

 

[Zeshan547]

This is some fairytale comeback from Southern Punjab, they were down and out, done ane dusted before these last two matches, hats off to this team.

 

[Markhor]

This is a clinic from Aamer Yamin. No ugly hacks or swipes across the line, just pure clean hitting. Outstanding.

 

[shamaan]

Sad for Balochistan

They were unlucky with Akif Javed going down with injury, but they just didn't have the batting firepower.

I think akif injury cost them they lost all hope after his injury

 

[Markhor]

They've done it !

Holy crap ! Congratulations Southern Punjab, they claim the fourth semi final place. Central Punjab and Balochistan are out.

 

[saeed5646]

South punjab have make typical Pakistani comeback. From bottom to semis wow

 

[Markhor]

Umar Gul in tears as he walks off for the final time having announced his retirement.

Thanks so much for one of the greatest moments of my life - the 2009 World T20. Farewell champ.

 

[saeed5646]

Oh man don't cry umar gul you were champion bowler .Good luck with retirement

 

[trickyone]

South punjab have make typical Pakistani comeback. From bottom to semis wow��

If they win the tournament, that will be 1992 cup story lol

 

[Gotham Cronie]

South Punjab win and qualify for the semi-finals.

166/3 scored in 10.4 overs.

 

[Savak]

Balochistan made a blunder by playing Gul, he is far past it. Don't be fooled by that 4 wicket haul, he no longer is the same force. He made the right decision to call it a day.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Maqsood has always been a surprise to me. He has unreal ability to hit the ball but never backed him self, neither his team who often put him at 6/7 to win from hopeless situations. This guy could have been a tremendous top 3 LO player.

Was a sitting duck against the new swinging ball. had confidence issues as well.

 

[Dark_Horse]

This is a clinic from Aamer Yamin. No ugly hacks or swipes across the line, just pure clean hitting. Outstanding.

Imam batted better because he had more runs and his knock was extremely unselfish and in a parallel world he has won for his team
Aamir yamin was the scapegoat of 2018 nz tour. Aamir yamin only dismmised once in his baatiing career after 68 off 68 else he was not out. One of the few who could have been developed as test match espically at test match level

 

[saeed5646]

Balochistan made a blunder by playing Gul, he is far past it. Don't be fooled by that 4 wicket haul, he no longer is the same force. He made the right decision to call it a day.

God this is his last domestic match .i don't know what difference would have akhtar steyn,umaid sober would have make today.

 

[Dark_Horse]

add t20 3 over with new ball in odi as the sixt bowling option but malik and hafeez used to provide the most haunted word "expierence..."

 

[saeed5646]

If they win the tournament, that will be 1992 cup story lol

Lol so true .

With momentum they are strong contenders for title

 

[DandyFellow]

Uff yaar what a tournament. What a match. So much competition and passion on display. Well done Southern Punjab. Tbh they are the favourites to win the cup now. Northern has to wary of them in the semi final.

 

[saeed5646]

Aamer yamin >>>>>>>ammad butt

 

[shamaan]

What a run chase what a tournament so much passion

 

[saeed5646]

Gul should pursue his coaching career .he can be decent bowling coach

 

[saeed5646]

What a run chase what a tournament so much passion

Exactly.

 

[shamaan]

Umar gull in tears as he walks of the field.the greatest bowler in t20 a true champ.have a good retirement champ

 

[Khan12]

Sad to see umer gul crying. Always had respect for him. Played with passion gave it all and never had any issues.

Thank you so much for the memories. Wish you all the best for future. Will never forget the t20 world Cup which you won for us.

 

[PakPremi]

Well done to Shan Masood for being u selfish and allowing better hitters to bat instead.

 

[Savak]

God this is his last domestic match���� .i don't know what difference would have akhtar steyn,umaid sober would have make today.

Cricket is no game for emotions. Sri Lanka played an injured Murali in the 2011 WC final, end result he was ineffective and cost Sri Lanka the match. Countries like England, Australia are very ruthless when it comes to selections and bench players immediately

 

[MMHS]

Was a sitting duck against the new swinging ball. had confidence issues as well.

Which other PAK batsman apart from Babar has been flying duck against new swinging ball in last 7-8 years?

Confidence is something that that you build in players - the treatment Maqs got from Misbah & co at the start of his career, any one can loose confidence. Babar is extremely lucky that he got Mickey Arthur in his first three years & that’s Arthur’s biggest contribution to PAK cricket - Babar Azam; otherwise WY did start him at 5-6 ... 1-2 years there to win games Larke Lenge style, by now Babar Azam won’t have been so confident.

 

[saeed5646]

Cricket is no game for emotions. Sri Lanka played an injured Murali in the 2011 WC final, end result he was ineffective and cost Sri Lanka the match. Countries like England, Australia are very ruthless when it comes to selections and bench players immediately

I don't think gul was playing worldcup final .It was just a domestic game and he deserves farewell match

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Which other PAK batsman apart from Babar has been flying duck against new swinging ball in last 7-8 years?

Confidence is something that that you build in players - the treatment Maqs got from Misbah & co at the start of his career, any one can loose confidence. Babar is extremely lucky that he got Mickey Arthur in his first three years & that’s Arthur’s biggest contribution to PAK cricket - Babar Azam; otherwise WY did start him at 5-6 ... 1-2 years there to win games Larke Lenge style, by now Babar Azam won’t have been so confident.

Haris Sohail is a very good player of seam and swing. Imam ul Haq probably as well.
Actually Haris and Babar have always stood higher than the rest since their very first impressions.
Yes Mickey Arthur did very well in developing the new batters, but you can't just put all the blame on Misbah, Waqar and Whatmore.
Sohaib's work ethic was found to be wanting, his complacency was criticized by a lot of people. Him, Umar Akmal and Ahmad Shehzad were the three biggest failures of our 2015 WC. (Not including Nasir Jamshed for obvious reasons)
In 5 seasons of PSL, he failed to rise up to the occasion. Rizwan, who failed miserably in PSL, found the courage to get back up and get his game back in order, Sohaib didn't do that.

I direly hope he has regained his confidence and got his game in order to succeed at the highest level.

 

[Saj]

Sohaib Maqsood blasted 81 off 29 balls to seal a dramatic win for Southern Punjab and the last semi-final spot in the final group match of the National T20 Cup for the First XIs, played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Southern Punjab, who had languished at the bottom of the points table for the most part of the tournament, had to chase 162 runs within 12.3 overs to progress to the next round. They ended up plundering 166 at the loss of three wickets in just 10.4 overs against Balochistan, which along with eliminating the Haris Sohail-led unit dashed Central Punjab’s hopes of qualifying for the next round.

That the herculean task was turned into a cakewalk was because of Sohaib, who was sent to open the innings with wicketkeeper-batsman Zeeshan Ashraf and smashed 13 fours and four sixes.

The pair provided the run chase a profound start with a blistering 87-run alliance from just 5.3 overs. They made their intentions clear from the onset as the gathered 14 runs from the first over bowled by Umar Gul, who was making his final appearance in competitive cricket, before adding 20 more to their total in the next over bowled by Taj Wali.

The sparkling opening stand ended with Zeeshan’s dismissal as he was caught by Taj Wali off Amad Butt after scoring a quickfire 10-ball 21.

The dismissal, however, did not dent the scoring rate as Southern Punjab added 17 more in the next six balls. On the seventh delivery, Sohaib joined his opening partner back in the pavilion after he had gathered 81 runs at a staggering strike rate of just under 280 and set the tone for the heroic run chase.

Reflecting on his performance, man-of-the-match Sohaib Maqsood said: “After the first over, I told my partner that we can turn this run chase into a possibility as 13 to 14 runs an over were achievable. We were given clear instructions that either hit out or get out. This win will go a big way in uplifting the mood in the camp. We will look to meet the expectations of our fans when we play semi final tomorrow.”

Aamer Yamin and Hussain Talat ensured that the take Southern Punjab over the line with a scorching undefeated stand of 53 from just 19 balls. Aamer smacked four sixes and a four in his nine-ball 33 not out. Hussain returned not out at 20 from just 11 balls at the back of two fours and a six.

Early in the evening, Balochistan won the toss and opted to bat first. They got off to a rough start as Awais Zia was dismissed for one off five balls. Imam-u-Haq and Bismillah Khan got together and knitted a 69-run partnership off 54 balls for the second wicket.

Imam contributed a 37-ball 48, hitting three fours and two sixes, while Bismillah struck two fours and as many sixes in his 35-ball 41.

Haris was the next batsman to go, falling to Mohammad Ilyas before scoring 24 from 17 balls. Akbar-ur-Rehman coming to bat at number five remained unbeaten on 37 from 21 balls. His innings included three fours and two sixes and helped his side to post 161 for six in 20 overs.

For Southern Punjab, Muhammad Imran was the most successful bowler taking two wickets for 34 runs, while Aamer Yamin, Ilyas and Zahid Mahmood grabbed a wicket apiece.

Scores in brief:

Southern Punjab beat Balochistan by seven wickets

Balochistan 161-6, 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 48, Bismillah Khan 41, Akbar-ur-Rehman 37, Haris Sohail 24; Muhammad Imran 2-34)

Southern Punjab 166-3, 10.4 overs (Sohaib Maqsood 81, Aamer Yamin 33 not out, Hussain Talat 20 not out, Zeeshan Ashraf 21; Amad Butt 2-51)

Player of the match – Sohaib Maqsood (Southern Punjab)

 

[shamaan]

Exactly.

Loved every moment of it hats off to players and everyone involved

 

[MMHS]

Haris Sohail is a very good player of seam and swing. Imam ul Haq probably as well.
Actually Haris and Babar have always stood higher than the rest since their very first impressions.
Yes Mickey Arthur did very well in developing the new batters, but you can't just put all the blame on Misbah, Waqar and Whatmore.
Sohaib's work ethic was found to be wanting, his complacency was criticized by a lot of people. Him, Umar Akmal and Ahmad Shehzad were the three biggest failures of our 2015 WC. (Not including Nasir Jamshed for obvious reasons)
In 5 seasons of PSL, he failed to rise up to the occasion. Rizwan, who failed miserably in PSL, found the courage to get back up and get his game back in order, Sohaib didn't do that.

I direly hope he has regained his confidence and got his game in order to succeed at the highest level.

Did I read Imam-ul-Haq in first part - incredible. Bro, Haris Sohail averages 4.50 in Australia, 38.00 in UK (boosted by his highest of 39*) and 19.00 in Ireland ...... should I use that Incredible word once more?

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Did I read Imam-ul-Haq in first part - incredible. Bro, Haris Sohail averages 4.50 in Australia, 38.00 in UK (boosted by his highest of 39*) and 19.00 in Ireland ...... should I use that Incredible word once more?

You do realize he only played 1 test in Australia and 2 in England so the sample size is extremely small.
He was also out of form during that phase and was subpar in the subsequent tests in Pakistan as well.

Babar and Haris look the most assured against pace and swing in Pakistan.

 

[MMHS]

You do realize he only played 1 test in Australia and 2 in England so the sample size is extremely small.
He was also out of form during that phase and was subpar in the subsequent tests in Pakistan as well.

Babar and Haris look the most assured against pace and swing in Pakistan.

I think the first part is for Imam - I do know how many Tests he played in AUS, SAF or UK ..... but, unfortunately, I have seen him bat as well, in my own eyes.

Haris indeed is the second most assured batsman in PAK - not sure about pace, but may be swing indeed .... but that honestly isn't a benchmark these days.... when next in line is Shan Masood and a faded away Azhar Ali.