Muhammad Nizam KARACHI:
Medium pacers Owais Jamali and Mannan Sonija delivered exceptional performances as Al-Akhwan CC triumphed over the previously undefeated Jinnah Sports by 41 runs to claim the title in the inaugural Zakir Babu and Arshad Muneem Memorial Floodlight T20 Cricket League. The final took place last night at Abbasi Gymkhana Cricket Ground, New Karachi.
Batting first, Al-Akhwan CC posted a competitive total of 148 runs. Rehan Sonija led the charge with 44 off 40 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six. Asif Ali Jee contributed 30 runs off 23 balls, smashing four boundaries and a six, while Saad BJ remained unbeaten with 25 runs, striking two fours and a six.
Jinnah Sports’ bowlers put in a strong performance, with medium-pacer Muhammad Rabi taking 3 wickets for 25 runs, and slow left-armer Naeem Jobat claiming 3 wickets for 28.
In response, Jinnah Sports struggled against Al-Akhwan’s deadly bowling attack and were bowled out for 107 runs in 19 overs. Farooq Khatri top-scored with 44 off 29 balls, hitting five boundaries and three sixes. Iqbal Khatri added 36 runs from 38 balls, while Naeem Jobat contributed 15 runs.
Owais Jamali was the standout performer with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 11 runs. Mannan Sonija also impressed, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs, while Hammad BJ chipped in with 2 for 29. During the presentation ceremony, Al-Akhwan CC skipper Saad BJ received the winner’s trophy from chief guest Imran Coori. Jinnah Sports captain Naeem Khatri accepted the runners-up trophy.
Owais Jamali was awarded Rs 1,000 for being named Man of the Match. Shoaib Sonija of New Zam Zam CC was named Man of the Tournament. Additional awards included Rs 5,000 for Iqbal Khatri of Jinnah Sports as the Best Batsman, and Kamran Khatri of Al-Akhwan CC as the Best Bowler. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Sadiq Khatri, Waqar Dawana, Rizwan Wada, Muhammad Nizam, Shahid Tao, Salim DS, and Dr. Zakir.
Summarized Scores: Al-Akhwan CC: 148-7 in 20 overs (Rehan Sonija 44, Asif Ali Jee 30, Saad BJ 25 not out; Muhammad Rabi 3-25, Naeem Jobat 3-28)
Jinnah Sports: 107 all out in 19 overs (Farooq Khatri 44, Iqbal Khatri 36, Naeem Jobat 15; Owais Jamali 3-11, Mannan Sonija 3-29)
