KARACHI PANTHERS vs KALSOFT KNIGHTS
AL-WAKEEL CRICKET LEAGUE
FINAL
The atmosphere was unbelievable in the Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium. 22 players, 40 overs of cricket and one coveted title of the Al Wakeel Cricket League. It was a perfect setting for a thrilling cricket match between Karachi Panthers and Kalsoft Knights. Karachi Panthers batted first and were in a difficult situation when the top three batsmen failed to contribute runs. But before Karachi Panthers could collapse, the middle order fulfilled its responsibility. Rameez Mehmood scored quick 39 runs off just 22 balls to save his team from further trouble. Ahmed Arshad, Saad Ahmed and Hamza Ali Khan were the other major contributors who put their team back in the driving seat. Ahmed Arshan scored 25 runs off 20 balls, Hamza Ali Khan provided 35 runs off 23 balls while Saad Ahmed scored a brilliant half century. Saad took just 34 balls to score 59 runs. Usama Khan and Alishan Aslam got two wickets apiece while Saad Maqsood claimed one. Karachi Panthers finished their innings with 190 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.
Kalsoft Knight had two opponents in the second innings, one was the bowling team, and pressure was the other one. After conceding 190 runs in the first innings, Kalsoft Knights now needed to match a required run rate of 9.5. This pressure got the better of the batting lineup as Kalsoft Knights looked in shambles in their chase. Saad Maqsood could not hold on to his start as he departed for 19 runs. The rest of the batting order failed to contribute a healthy amount of runs, which is the main ingredient for a successful chase. Alishan Aslam was the only batsman who looked impressive with his 32 ball 46 run knock. Muzzamil Khan scored 26 runs off 30 deliveries but it was never enough in front of a tidy bowling attack. All the bowlers chipped in, and did not allow Kalsoft Knights to play their strokes freely. Saad and Uzair Saleem were the pick of the bowlers as they conceded just 8 and 11 runs respectively for a wicket apiece. Kalsoft Knights could score only 127 runs at the end of 20 over, losing 7 wickets.
By a huge margin of 63 runs, Karachi Panthers won the final match and were crowned as Champions of the Al Wakeel Cricket League.
The best batsman award was given to Saad Maqsood of Kalsoft Knight, Usama Khan of Kalsoft Knights was declared the best bowler. Alishan Aslam of Kalsoft Knights was declared the Man of the Tournament.
