FATA qualified for the semi-finals of the national T20 cup with a marginally better run rate to join Lahore Whites, Lahore Blues and Faisalabad for the knockouts.
After asking Faisalabad to bat at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, FATA’s Zia-ul-Haq (2 for 24), Hammad (4-0-18-0), Muhammad Irfan (1 for 15) bowled economically and troubled the top order. Asif Ali was the leading run-scorer for Faisalabad with an unbeaten 52 off 35 balls and stitched a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Ali Waqas (40 off 42 balls) to eventually lead his side past 150.
Chasing the 158-run target, FATA were off to a flying start with opener Mukhtar Ahmed scoring a 27-ball 46 before the line-up lost four wickets for 26 runs to reach 78 for 5. However, captain Hammad Azam (37 not out off 19) kept the chase alive and steered the side home after assistance from Asif Afridi’s 34 off 24.
Hammad Azam and Asif Afridi smacked a 70-run partnership in under seven overs to help FATA chase down 157 with four wickets and 20 balls to spare against Faisalabad.
Hammad Azam was declared man of the match.
In another match, Lahore Whites beat Islamabad by 109 runs. Lahore Whites had already secured their path to the semis before this game, but the margin of the win ensured they finished above their local rivals Lahore Blues and took top spot.
Kamran scored 150 off 71 balls, the highest score by a Pakistani batsman in the format. He hit 14 fours and 12 sixes. In reply, Islamabad were all out for 100.
