It was a clinical display from the Karachi Region Whites! It always helps when you have so many current Pakistan players in a side and they are one of the favorites to win for a reason. They played like champions and that was needed in a tough group like theirs.
On this note, I, Manan Mehta would like to sign off on behalf of my colleagues Karthik Raj and Yogesh Kumar. B-byeee!!!
Saud Shakeel (Karachi Region Whites Captain):"(On pacing the chase) We were always in the chase. They had a left-arm spinner and we were waiting for that moment.
(Target for the team in this competition) We have been doing well in other formats, trying to do the same in T20 cricket as well.
(Shan Masood in the middle-order) There will be some shuffling in the batting order when it comes to T20 cricket. Trying to give opportunities to everyone."
Irfan Khan Niazi (Faisalabad Region Captain): "(Thoughts on the bowling attack) Our bowling attack is an experienced one. However, the dew settled in and spoiled the party.
(Team combination) Yes, we could have played a left arm wrist spinner but then we did not want to take the risk with the dew around. (Thoughts on being in the tough pool) Yeah, now we have understood the conditions here and will put up a better performance going ahead."
Abdullah Fazal (Player of the Match):"(Thoughts on his knock) Glad to play a knock like this in the first match itself. The team gave me a role and I tried to do it.
(Taking inputs from his more experienced team-mates) We have so many players who have played for Pakistan, I am learning a lot from them. I go for the shots if the ball is in my area.
Abdullah Fazal has been named as the 'Player of the Match'.
Time for the Post-match Presentation!
1:03 AM IST and 12:33 AM Local Time: Karachi Region Whites win by 8 wickets! That is a chase masterclass from the Karachi unit! They were clinical in the approach and their strong batting line up lived up to its hype! Every batter contributed a little and at a good pace to win this battle with 17 balls to spare.
Karachi Region Whites won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Faisalabad side got off to a rocketing start on the back of Muhammad Faizan. He propelled the score to 34 in just 2.1 overs. However, that is when a mini collapse broke out. From 34/0, the batting side slipped to 39/3 and further 57/4.
That is when Awais Zafar and Irfan Khan Niazi stitched a fine stand to bring the stand back on track. They took the score to 127/4 and that is when Niazi got out attempting a loft. That is when another small collapse broke out. The runs dried up and from 124/4, the Faisalabad side found themselves at 149/7.
It felt like with only 8 balls remaining at that stage, 160 would be a tough ask. However, Zafar, the half centurion added an invaluable 22 runs in the final over to push the score to 171/7. He ended with 81 Not Out. The pick of the bowlers were Muhammad Umar and Saim Ayub with figures of 2-30 each.
It was a middling score and looked a little under par. The Karachi Whites started off in fine fashion. Both openers, Abdullah Fazal and Saim Ayub, notched up 50 runs in the first powerplay. Faisalabad slowed things down post the first powerplay and got rid of Saim Ayub when the score was 63.
At the halfway mark in the second innings, Karachi Whites needed 97 more runs to win off 10 overs with 9 wickets in hand. It was a favorable equation with the wickets in hand. However, Saud Shakeel fell at a very crucial juncture.
With his dismissal, the Karachi side still needed 84 more runs in 9 overs. Abdullah Fazal and Khawaja Nafay stitched an invaluable partnership at that point. They played attacking shots with Fazal being the initial aggressor as he was the set batter. He took down the spinners. Nafay got his eye in soon and then he too broke loose. They chased the remaining 84 Runs in just 6 overs and left 17 balls to spare. Fazal ended with 76(51)* and Nafay ended with 48(20)*. The pick of the bowlers was Zaman Khan with 1/26.
OVER 18
Karachi Region Whites
174/2
Khawaja Nafay
48(20)
Abdullah Fazal
76(51)
Muhammad Faizan
0-16(1.1)
17.1 M Faizan to K Nafay
4 FOURRR!!! DONE AND DUSTED! IT IS NAFAY WHO HITS THE FINISH RUNS! Over the wicket, length ball outside off stump, Nafay cuts it hard to the sweeper fence for a boundary! Karachi Whites win by 8 wickets!