By Muhammad Nizam | KARACHI:
Al-Akhwan Cricket Club secured a remarkable 41-run victory over Jinnah Sports to win the inaugural Zakir Babu and Arshad Muneem Memorial Floodlight T20 Cricket League. The final, played under lights at Abbasi Gymkhana Cricket Ground, New Karachi, marked the end of a highly competitive tournament.
Solid Start with the Bat:
Batting first, Al-Akhwan CC posted a strong total of 148 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Top-order batter Rehan Sonija led the innings with a composed 44 off 40 balls, including two boundaries and a six.
Asif Ali Jee added momentum with 30 off 23 balls, hitting four fours and a six.
Later, Saad BJ contributed an unbeaten 25 runs, ensuring a competitive score.
Jinnah Sports Bowlers Put Up a Fight
Despite the pressure, Jinnah Sports’ bowlers made an impact.
Medium-pacer Muhammad Rabi took 3 wickets for 25 runs, while left-arm spinner Naeem Jobat picked up 3 for 28. Their efforts, however, were not enough to restrict Al-Akhwan below par.
Jinnah Sports Falter in the Chase:
Chasing 149, Jinnah Sports struggled and were bowled out for 107 in 19 overs.
Farooq Khatri stood out with a brisk 44 off 29 balls, striking five fours and three sixes.
Iqbal Khatri scored a steady 36 off 38 balls, and Naeem Jobat added 15 runs, but the rest of the batting line-up faltered.
Bowlers Seal the Victory:
Al-Akhwan CC’s bowlers turned the game with disciplined and aggressive spells.
Owais Jamali led the attack, claiming 3 wickets for just 11 runs, and was later named Man of the Match.
Mannan Sonija also took 3 wickets for 29 runs, while Hammad BJ bagged 2 for 29, dismantling Jinnah’s middle and lower order.
Post-Match Awards and Recognition:
During the award ceremony, Al-Akhwan CC captain Saad BJ was handed the winner’s trophy by chief guest Imran Coori. Jinnah Sports skipper Naeem Khatri received the runners-up trophy.
Other individual awards included:
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Man of the Tournament: Shoaib Sonija (New Zam Zam CC)
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Best Batsman: Iqbal Khatri (Jinnah Sports) – Prize: Rs 5,000
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Best Bowler: Kamran Khatri (Al-Akhwan CC)
The ceremony was also attended by cricket personalities and organizers including Sadiq Khatri, Waqar Dawana, Rizwan Wada, Shahid Tao, Salim DS, and Dr. Zakir.
Match Summary:
Al-Akhwan CC: 148-7 in 20 overs
(Rehan Sonija 44, Asif Ali Jee 30, Saad BJ 25*; 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)
Al-Akhwan CC’s all-round performance capped off a memorable tournament, ending Jinnah Sports’ unbeaten run and claiming the first-ever title in style.
