24-03-2025
Kamran Ghulam leads Abbottabad to victory over Lahore and National T20 cup semis
A collective bowling effort, followed by Kamran Ghulam's unbeaten half-century, powered Abbottabad Region into the National T20 Cup semi-finals with a six-wicket win over Lahore Whites at Iqbal Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bowl first, Abbottabad captain Yasir Shah saw his bowlers limit Lahore Whites to 130/5 in 20 overs, despite Muhammad Akhlaq's fighting knock.
The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings with 59 off 49 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. Kamran Afzal added a late 25-run cameo, but Lahore Whites struggled for momentum.
Khalid Usman led Abbottabad's bowling attack with figures of 2/15 in four overs, while Arshad Iqbal and Yasir Shah took a wicket each.
In response, Abbottabad chased the 131-run target with ease, reaching it in 17.5 overs with six wickets in hand.
Kamran Ghulam starred in the chase, scoring an unbeaten 58 off 41 balls, striking six fours and two sixes. He built key partnerships with Shahzaib Khan (28) and Afaq Ahmed (31) to steer his side to victory.
Ghulam's match-winning innings earned him the Player of the Match award. For Lahore Whites, Mohammad Faiq, Kamran, Mohammad Salman, and Ubaid Shah claimed one wicket each.
Abbottabad's semi-final opponent will be determined after the remaining three quarter-finals. The second quarter-final between Karachi Whites and Multan is set to take place later today, with two more fixtures scheduled for Monday.
