Karachi: Peshawar qualified for the semi-finals of the ICRC National Physical Disability Cricket Championship after winning their second match in the first phase, while Lahore defeated Abbottabad by two wickets in a close contest.
The first phase of the championship concluded at the Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar. Pakistan Physical Disability Cricket Association Secretary Amiruddin Ansari, Pakistan Sports Writers Federation President Amjad Aziz Malik, Ali Hoti Director Sports Islamia College and University, Dr Waqar, Al Syed Marketing CEO Syed Sher Ali Afridi, Director Imran Khan Stadium Jafar Shah, Regional Heads Sajid Shah, Javed Ashraf and Muhammad Tahir Raja, Tournament Coordinator Nasrullah, Director PPDCA Muhammad Nizam and others were present on the occasion.
In the first match of the third day, Lahore defeated Abbottabad by two wickets after a thrilling contest. Batting first, Abbottabad were bowled out for 101 runs in 17.5 overs. Muhammad Asad top-scored with 30 off 35 balls, hitting two fours, while Zabihullah made 18 off 14 balls with three fours. Humayun Khan contributed 15 runs.
For Lahore, M. Ashfaq and Shahid Nazir claimed three wickets each, while Abdullah Ijaz and Muhammad Bilal took two wickets apiece. In reply, Lahore reached the target for the loss of eight wickets in 16.5 overs. Muhammad Shahbaz was the top scorer with 16 runs, while Atiq-ur-Rehman and Sadar Ali scored 13 runs each.
Abbottabad conceded 19 extras, including 12 wides, which proved costly. For Abbottabad, Raj Wali, Muhammad Asad and Bilal Arshad took two wickets each, while Aftab Hussain and Kaleemullah picked up one wicket apiece.
Pakistan Sports Writers Federation President Amjad Aziz Malik, the chief guest for the match, presented the Player of the Match award to Lahore’s Shahid Nazir.
In the second match, Peshawar defeated KP Stars by seven wickets. Batting first, KP Stars were bowled out for 52 runs, with Awal Muhammad standing out with 22 runs. Momin Khan took three wickets, while Zaidullah dismissed two players.
Peshawar chased down the target aggressively, reaching 53 for three in just 3.4 overs to top the points table on the basis of run rate. Adeel Shahzad played a blistering unbeaten innings of 39 runs off 12 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. Muhammad Abid took all three wickets to fall.
Former DCA Nowshera president Gohar Ali presented the Player of the Match award to Adeel Shahzad.
