TN Sports Karachi: The Storm Warriors lifted the Aga Khan Gymkhana Premier League (AKG) Season 02 title with a thrilling 8-run victory over the United Hurricanes in a high-octane final at the AKG Ground yesterday.
Asked to bat first, the Storm Warriors posted a challenging total of 186/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Mir Naseeb Noor Ali was the star with a blistering 82 off 56 balls, which included eight fours and two sixes. Ubaid Rehman also made a valuable contribution, smashing 36 off 24 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Jalal Ullah chipped in with 20 runs as the Warriors set a daunting target for the Hurricanes.
United Hurricanes’ bowling attack was led by median pacer Pervaiz Ali, who claimed an outstanding 2 wickets for just 2 runs. Deedar Akbar, Awais Ullah Baig, and Zahid Iqbal each grabbed one wicket.
In reply, the Hurricanes were bowled out for 178 in 20 overs, falling short by 8 runs. Aameer Qureshi top-scored for his side with 67 off 39 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Pervaiz Ali made a solid contribution with 37 off 29 balls, with five fours and one six. Despite their efforts, the Hurricanes could not chase down the total.
Storm Warriors’ bowlers were on top throughout the innings, with Asad Ali Khowaja and Shayna Ali starring with exceptional figures of 3-12 and 3-27 respectively. Awais Ullah Baig also played a key role, claiming 2-8, while Hamid Ali and Muhammad Shoaib each took one wicket.
The final was graced by former Pakistan paceman Muhammad Sami and Chairman of the Karachi Sports and Recreation Council (KSRC) Abdul Sultan Khimani, who were the chief guests. They presented the prizes to the winners, with Storm Warriors’ skipper Hamid Ali collecting the winners’ trophy, while United Hurricanes’ captain Saud Islam received the runners-up trophy.
In individual accolades, Naseeb Noor Ali was named the Best Batsman of the tournament for his consistent performance, scoring 400 runs, and was also awarded the Man of the Final trophy. Shayan Ali was named the Best Bowler with 11 wickets, while Saud Islam, who contributed 400 runs and 7 wickets, was crowned the Man of the Tournament.
The closing ceremony also saw KSRC Chairman Abdul Sultan Khimani presenting a shield to the chief guest and expressing his gratitude to the sponsors, team owners, and everyone who supported the tournament.
Among those present were Rafiq Jandani (Local Council President), Karim Hudani (Chairman AKYSB Garden), Kashif Kitani (Honorary Secretary AKYSB Southern Region), Naeem Khowaja (PASC), Munir Samnani, Sabir Khan (C Members), Zulfiqar Anwar Ali (Member Finance AKG), Kamria Darkhan (AKG Cricket Convener), Mir Afzal Baig, Pakistan U-19 Cricket and Football Women player Alizay Sabir, and members of the tournament committee including Hamid Ali Khan, Javed Mansoor, Salim A, and Media Manager Mohammad Nizam.
Summarized Scores: STORM WARRIORS: 186/5 in 20 overs (Mir Naseeb Noor Ali 82, Ubaid Rehman 36, Jalal Ullah 20; Pervaiz Ali 2-2) UNITED HURRICANES: 178/10 in 20 overs (Aameer Qureshi 67, Pervaiz Ali 37, Saud Islam 25; Asad Ali Khowaja 3-12, Shayan Ali 3-27)
