MULTAN: Northern registered a 35-run victory over Central Punjab in their National T20 Cup encounter at the Multan Cricket Stadium today (Saturday).
Chasing a target of 156 runs, Central Punjab dismissed for 120 in 18.1 overs. Central Punjab lost their prolific opener Kamran Akmal early for one run after being bowled by pacer Haris Rauf.
Batsmen Abid Ali and Abdullah Shafique scored 36 (33) and 20 (12) respectively to provide a solid foundation for Central Punjab before fast-bowler Musa Khan removed both batsmen.
Later, all-rounder Shadab Khan removed batsmen Rizwan Hussain and Saad Nasim after both batsmen scored 14 runs respectively.
The pace duo of Haris Rauf and Muhammad Musa bagged three wickets each while giving away 23 runs and 26 runs respectively. Shadab Khan was named the player of the match for his contributions with both bat and ball.
Earlier, Central Punjab won the toss and elected to field first. The move paid dividends as the bowlers bowled disciplined lines and lengths to negate a fast start from the Northern batsmen.
Pakistan’s rising star Haider Ali could only contribute 3 runs off 6 balls before being removed by leg-spinner Usman Qadir. Shadab Khan and batsman Umar Amin scored 30 off 17 balls and 21 off 14 balls respectively.
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