Southern Punjab ends on high after miserable National T20 Cup 2021

Southern Punjab ended their National T20 campaign on a high as they win their final game against defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 11 runs.

However, that win didn’t help Southern Punjab to qualify for the knock-out stage of the tournament, still win is a win to boost their confidence for the upcoming edition and remaining tournaments in the season. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains in the semi-final hunt as despite the loss they are on course for a top-four finish. 

Earlier, KP won the toss and they decided to bowl first. Southern Punjab openers Tayyab Tahir and Sharoon Siraj (18) added 39 for the first-wicket in five overs.

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Tayyab then combined with Salman Ali Agha in a 56-run second-wicket stand. Salman was dismissed for 16, wicketkeeper Azam Khan joined Tayyab for a breezy 35-run third-wicket stand. Azam Khan hit three sixes and one four in his quickfire 25 off 13 balls.

Tayyab was dismissed by Imran Khan Snr for a career-best 78 off 48 balls, the right-hander’s attacking innings included eight fours and three sixes.

Captain Aamer Yamin scored 24 off 13 balls while Yousuf Babar remained not out on 14 off six as Southern Punjab finished their 20 overs with a formidable total on the board. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fell short of 11 runs in their 194-run chase despite solid contributions from Nabi Gul, Kamran Ghulam and Iftikhar.

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Nabi Gul top-scored with 54 off 31 balls. The right-hander added 79 for the fourth-wicket with Kamran who scored 46 off 33. The two joined hands with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reeling at 32 for three after 6.5 overs.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost their way as Kamran and Nabi lost their wickets in quick succession, the lower-order batters struggled to manage the mounting asking rate. Needing 30 off the final over bowled by Mohammad Ilyas, Iftikhar and Niaz Khan managed 18 runs.

Brief Scorecard:

Southern Punjab 193 for 5 in 20 overs (Tayyab Tahir 78, Azam Khan 25, Aamer Yamin 24; Imran Khan Snr 2/35)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 182 for 6 in 20 overs (Nabi Gul 54, Kamran Ghulam 46, Iftikhar Ahmed 33*; Mohammad Ilyas 2/38)

Player of the match:  Tayyab Tahir (Southern Punjab) 

Result: Southern Punjab win by 11 runs

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