LAHORE: Defending champions Karachi Region Whites and Bahawalpur Region claimed emphatic victories at the Iqbal Stadium on Friday night as the National T20 Cup began.

In the opening game of the event, Karachi Whites triumphed over Islamabad Region. Skipper Saud Shakeel delivered a standout performance to lead Karachi Whites to a 30-run victory in the rain-affected opening match of the tournament. Opting to bat first, Karachi Whites posted a competitive 159-6 in their 20 overs. Saud, who was named Player of the Match, played a captain’s knock, smashing 76 off 50 balls, including nine fours and a six. Khurram Manzoor provided valuable support with a 29-run contribution off 17 balls.

Islamabad’s bowlers put up a fight, with Naseerullah Khan and Musa Khan taking two wickets each. Arsal Sheikh and Umair Afridi chipped in with one wicket apiece.

In reply, Islamabad stumbled to 27-4 early on and were struggling at 73-5 when rain interrupted play in the 14th over. Karachi Whites’ Muhammad Umar claimed two wickets, while Danish Aziz, Arif Yaqoob, and Saqib Khan each took one, securing a commanding win for the defending champions.

In the second match, Bahawalpur Region outclassed Dera Murad Jamali Region. In the seven-overs-per-side match, Bahawalpur Region showcased dominant form to defeat Dera Murad Jamali Region by 61 runs. Batting first, Bahawalpur’s openers Aun Shahzad (28 off 16) and Muhammad Sudais (21* off 12) stitched a fiery half-century stand. Contributions from skipper Muhammad Imran (16 off 8) and Faizan Zafar (16 off 4) propelled Bahawalpur to an impressive 95-3 in seven overs.

In response, Dera Murad Jamali’s batting faltered, managing only 34-6. Bahawalpur’s bowlers Imran Khan Snr and Salahuddin picked up two wickets each, ensuring a comfortable victory for their team.

Brief scores:

Match 1 – Karachi Region Whites beat Islamabad Region by 30 runs (DLS method) at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad

Karachi Whites 159-6, 20 overs (Saud Shakeel 76, Khurram Manzoor 29, Saad Baig 18 not out; Naseerullah Khan 2-21, Musa Khan 2-43)

Islamabad 73-5, 13.1 overs (Ali Imran 26, Hammad Siddique 25 not out; Muhammad Umar 2-9)

Player of the match – Saud Shakeel (Karachi Region Whites)

Match 2 – Bahawalpur Region beat Dera Murad Jamali Region by 61 runs at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad

Bahawalpur 95-3, 7 overs (Aun Shahzad 28, Muhammad Sudais 21 not out; Muhammad Shahid 3-11).