The opening match of the highly anticipated Al Wakeel Cricket League season 3 took place between Karachi Gladiators and Royal Group Falcons.
Batting first, Karachi Gladiators got off to a decent start with openers Rameez Mehboob and Rabish Ahmed contributing 24 and 26 runs respectively at the top. Ejaz Shah upped the ante with a handy 36 off 31 but the team were unable to really get going at any stage. Falcons bowlers did well to restrict the opposition, picking up wickets consistently, keeping the score in check. Gladiators lost a flurry of wickets in the middle including 2 ducks but a blistering 24 off 16 by Madni Waqas Raja at the end helped their side reach 146 for 7 in 20 overs. Hammad Sheikhani, Nisar Ahmed and Danial Ali took 2 wickets each.
In response, Royal Group Falcons looked to be in trouble early on after losing opener Shahid Mirani and one down Taqi Azad cheaply. The team however recovered smoothly after that with Ismail Shah playing a responsible innings of 44 and Danial Ali smashing 89 off 52 including 11 fours and 4 sixes. Royal Group Falcons comfortably chased down the target in 18 overs.
Royal Group Falcons won by 7 wickets.
