Karachi: (Sports Reporter): The AKG Premier League Season 2 saw thrilling action yesterday as Strom Warriors booked their spot in the final with a dramatic two-wicket win over Friends United, while United Hurricanes advanced to Eliminator 2 with a dominant 10-wicket victory over United Thunders at the historic Aga Khan Gymkhana Ground.
In the first match, Friends United batted first and managed to put up 152 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs. Sarfaraz Khan top-scored with 43 runs off 41 balls, including 4 fours, while Captain Murtaza Majid contributed 41 runs off 40 balls, hitting one four. Suleman Huda also provided a quick cameo, scoring 26 runs off 9 balls, which included one four and two sixes.
Shayan Ali, Farhan Ahmedi, and Muhammad Shoaib were the standout bowlers for Strom Warriors, each taking two wickets to restrict Friends United to a modest total.
In response, Strom Warriors chased down the target of 157/8 in a nail-biting finish, securing victory off the final ball of the 20th over. Shayan Ali was the star of the chase, scoring a brilliant 57 runs off 39 balls, which included 6 fours and 2 sixes. Naseeb Noor played a solid hand as well, contributing 61 runs off 50 balls, including 5 fours.
Syed Ahsan Ullah, Fayyaz Hussain, and Suleman Huda bowled well for Friends United, each taking two wickets, but it wasn’t enough to stop Strom Warriors from clinching the win. Shayan Ali was named the Man of the Match for his all-round performance.
In the second match, United Thunders set a formidable target of 172/4 in their allotted 20 overs after batting first. Waqaab Johar led the charge with a superb 76 runs off 45 balls, including 9 boundaries, while skipper Javed Mansoor played a steady knock of 70* runs off 54 balls, which featured 5 fours.
Zahid Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers for United Hurricanes, claiming 2 wickets for 37 runs.
However, United Hurricanes chased down the target with ease, finishing with a 10-wicket victory in just 17.3 overs. Openers Saud Islam and Pervaiz Ali were in sensational form, as Pervaiz remained unbeaten on 90 runs off 61 balls, smashing 13 boundaries. Skipper Saud Islam continued his excellent tournament form, contributing 77 runs off 44 balls, including 13 boundaries and one six.
Pervaiz Ali’s dominant knock earned him the Man of the Match award: With these results, Strom Warriors will face off in the final, while United Hurricanes will move on to Eliminator 2, keeping their hopes alive for the championship. The stage is set for an exciting finish to the AKG Premier League Season 2.
