Karachi ( Sports News): Lahore Lions and Rawalpindi Royals emerged victorious in their respective matches of the Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League, currently underway at the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground under the auspices of the Pakistan Tape Ball Federation. Quetta Qurbanz and Karachi Kids suffered defeats in the two matches played on Tuesday.
In the second match of the day, Lahore Lions defeated Quetta Qurbanz by five wickets. Batting first in the opening innings, Quetta Qurbanz scored 95 runs for the loss of two wickets. Kashif Jokhio played a blistering knock of 52 runs off just 20 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes, while Syed Nasir contributed 30 runs off 15 balls with one four and three sixes. For Lahore Lions, Shahnawaz picked up two wickets.
In reply, Lahore Lions managed 84 runs for the loss of six wickets, conceding an 11-run lead. Abdul Basit scored 31 runs off 10 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours, while Mohammad Afaq added 20 runs. Wahid Ali, Aijaz Zahid and Essa Khan claimed one wicket each.
In their second innings, Quetta Qurbanz scored 67 runs for six wickets, gaining an overall lead of 78 runs. Qurban Ali remained unbeaten on an impressive 48 off 22 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. Chasing a target of 79 runs, Lahore Lions achieved the target in just 4.4 overs for the loss of four wickets. Abdul Basit once again starred with the bat, scoring a match-winning 46 runs off 14 balls with six sixes and two fours, while Kamran Kami scored 18. Essa Khan took three wickets. Abdul Basit was adjudged Player of the Match.
Earlier, Rawalpindi Royals defeated Karachi Kids by eight wickets. Karachi Kids, batting first, scored 78 runs for seven wickets. Captain Asad Shah was the top scorer with 26 runs off 10 balls, including one four and three sixes. Qadir Kashmiri bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets.
In response, Rawalpindi Royals posted a massive 123 runs without losing a wicket, taking a commanding 45-run lead. Taimur Mirza smashed 62 runs off 23 balls with one four and eight sixes, while Waqas Sher scored 42 off 16 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.
In their second innings, Karachi Kids scored 110 runs for seven wickets to take a 65-run overall lead. Usama Ali scored a quick 56 off 18 balls with one four and six sixes, while Asad Shah added 22 runs. Qadir Kashmiri once again impressed, claiming three wickets.
Chasing a target of 66 runs, Rawalpindi Royals reached the target in 5.5 overs for the loss of two wickets. After the dismissals of Taimur Mirza (12) and Umar Bajwa (16), Shoaib Akhtar played a crucial knock of 27 runs off 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes, to seal the victory. Zaheer Kalia and Dilshad took one wicket each. Qadir Kashmiri was named Player of the Match.
