National Twenty20 Cup: Peshawar and Multan register wins

On the 2^nd day of the ongoing National Twenty20 Cup, Peshawar and Multan registered wins. Peshawar had a hard fought victory, while Multan sailed to the target with ease.

In the 1^st game, Fata batted 1^st and posted 124 for the loss of 5 wickets. Adil Amin fresh from his exploits against England A, top scored with 44 runs. Asif Afridi hit a run a ball 19. The whole of Peshawar’s bowling attack was miserly. No bowler conceded more than 6.7 RPOs. In reply, Peshawar almost made a meal of a low target. They took 19.5 overs and lost 8 wickets to score 125 runs. Nabil Gul top scored with 34 of 22 balls. Israrullah also chipped in with 23. Left arm pacer Zia ul Haq picked up three wickets, while Karachi Kings’ leg spinner Usama Mir picked up 2 wickets. Nabi Gul was awarded the man of the match award for his quick fire 34 in a low scoring game.

In 2^nd match of the day, Multan overpowered Karachi Whites, thanks to blistering knocks from Sohiab Maqsood and Mohammad Irfan. Batting 1^st Karachi Whites posted 163. Prolific run scorer Khurram Manzoor hit 62 of 44 balls, while Ramiz Raja hit a fifty. No other batsmen made an impression as Karachi failed to take advantage of a decent start. Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Imran picked up a brace each.

In response, Karachi Whites made early inroads, picking up the openers in cheaply. However, a boundary laden 88 from Sohiab Maqsood and 67 from Mohammad Irfan finished the game for Multan. Raza Hasan and Rahat Ali picked up the two wickets to fall. Sohiab Maqsood picked up the man of the match award.

On day of the Cup, Lahore Whites and Pindi had started their campaigns with a win.