127/10 (15.4)
CR : 8.11
201/6 (20.0)
CR : 10.05
Multan Region won by 74 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Imam-ul-Haq
71(40)
K Ahmed 0(1)
b A Minhas
4s/6s
0/0
SR
0.00
Over 16
Karachi Region Blues 127/10
Khalil Ahmed0(1)
Shahnawaz Dahani0(5)
Arafat Minhas2-25(2.4)
MUL won by 74 runs
1:33 AM IST, 1:03 AM local time: Multan Region put in a complete performance to thump Karachi Region Blues and register their second successive victory of the tournament. They win by 74 runs.
Their captain led the way with an impressive knock of 71 (40). While he deserves all the plaudits that might come his way after this performance, in his post match speech, Imam ul Haq should perhaps also thank Usman Khan. The wicket-keeper dropped an easy, straightforward catch when the Multan opener was on 19* (8). Poor catching and some ordinary bowling from Karachi Region Blues was the underlying theme of the first half of this match. Though, one must take nothing away from the batters either. With his positive intent on display, Mohammad Naeem provided the team with a sprightly start. Bismillah Khan played his role as a perfect sidekick to Imam in the big 70-run partnership they had. And with some lusty blows, Waseem Akram provided the finishing touches.
On the other hand, Karachi Region Blues could never get going in the run chase. Despite the opposition putting down two catches early, they could only manage 40/3 off the powerplay. The only time there was some hope was when Usman Khan was wielding the long handle. He scored an effervescent 23-ball-43. But none of the other batters could even cross 20. For Multan, left arm spinner Arafat Minhas and right arm seamer Muhammad Ismail impressed the most. The two combined to pick half of the wickets and helped their team register an emphatic win.
Their captain led the way with an impressive knock of 71 (40). While he deserves all the plaudits that might come his way after this performance, in his post match speech, Imam ul Haq should perhaps also thank Usman Khan. The wicket-keeper dropped an easy, straightforward catch when the Multan opener was on 19* (8). Poor catching and some ordinary bowling from Karachi Region Blues was the underlying theme of the first half of this match. Though, one must take nothing away from the batters either. With his positive intent on display, Mohammad Naeem provided the team with a sprightly start. Bismillah Khan played his role as a perfect sidekick to Imam in the big 70-run partnership they had. And with some lusty blows, Waseem Akram provided the finishing touches.
On the other hand, Karachi Region Blues could never get going in the run chase. Despite the opposition putting down two catches early, they could only manage 40/3 off the powerplay. The only time there was some hope was when Usman Khan was wielding the long handle. He scored an effervescent 23-ball-43. But none of the other batters could even cross 20. For Multan, left arm spinner Arafat Minhas and right arm seamer Muhammad Ismail impressed the most. The two combined to pick half of the wickets and helped their team register an emphatic win.
Time for the post-match Presentation!
Rameez Aziz gets the 'Energetic Player of the Match'.
Rameez Aziz (Karachi Region Blues captain): "(Where did it go wrong?) We made some fielding lapses. Otherwise, we could have stopped them at 170-180. We dropped a catch off the first ball of the match and then made other errors too. But credit must go to Imam too. He played really well.
(Reason for those errors) We have some youngsters in our side, who are not used to playing in these big stadiums under lights. Those fielding lapses costs us.
(On the batting) The message was to maximise the powerplay. But we could not bat the way we wanted. (Way forward) Whenever we go out in the field, we talk about being positive. Winning and losing are a part of the game."
(Reason for those errors) We have some youngsters in our side, who are not used to playing in these big stadiums under lights. Those fielding lapses costs us.
(On the batting) The message was to maximise the powerplay. But we could not bat the way we wanted. (Way forward) Whenever we go out in the field, we talk about being positive. Winning and losing are a part of the game."
Player of the Match: Imam ul Haq
Imam ul Haq (Player of the Match): "(Complete performance?) The fielding still needs to be improved. Yes, when you win matches, it gives you confidence. But I still think there are areas where we can improve. I think as a captain you will always feel so, especially in T20s. But yes, it was an all-round performance.
(On the slowdown in the middle overs) It was a plan. When you want to get to 200, you don't want to leave anything on chance. We have the batting depth. We knew we could accelerate in the last 6 overs. I still think we were 15 runs short. Maybe it was good bowling from the opposition. But we covered it up in our bowling.
(On Aamer Yamin) As a captain, you feel great to have an experienced bowler like him in the side. Today, even Ismail was very good. It is important for the openers to perform. In the last two matches, we were lucky that we got 200 despite losing the openers early. But in a format like this, I think even if openers get quick-fire 30s, they have done their job."
(On the slowdown in the middle overs) It was a plan. When you want to get to 200, you don't want to leave anything on chance. We have the batting depth. We knew we could accelerate in the last 6 overs. I still think we were 15 runs short. Maybe it was good bowling from the opposition. But we covered it up in our bowling.
(On Aamer Yamin) As a captain, you feel great to have an experienced bowler like him in the side. Today, even Ismail was very good. It is important for the openers to perform. In the last two matches, we were lucky that we got 200 despite losing the openers early. But in a format like this, I think even if openers get quick-fire 30s, they have done their job."
This win has taken Multan Region to the top of the Group A points table. They have only one match remaining in the league stage, which will be played on March 16th, Monday, against Sialkot Region. Meanwhile, Karachi Region Blues will now face Lahore Region Blues on March 14th, Saturday.
Of course, like always, Team Crickxo will be there to call the action for those two matches and everything else in between. For now, this is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Karthik Raj and Ghanendra Singh Thakur signing off. Sayonara!
Of course, like always, Team Crickxo will be there to call the action for those two matches and everything else in between. For now, this is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, Karthik Raj and Ghanendra Singh Thakur signing off. Sayonara!