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Player of the Match
Player of the Match

Imam, Junaid lift Balochistan off bottom of the table

Imam-ul-Haq sets off for a run PA Images via Getty Images

Balochistan 158 for 4 (Imam 64*) beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 155 for 6 (Farhan 78, Junaid 3-32) by six wickets

Imam-ul-Haq's half-century and Junaid Khan's three wickets lifted Balochistan to an emphatic six-wicket win over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The victory lifted them off the bottom position and also provided some hope to finish in the top four.

Balochistan, who had four players ruled out due to to Covid-19, opted to field first. Debutant Aamer Azmat was dismissed by Junaid in the opening open before Israrullah (19) and Mohammad Rizwan (17) helped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to recover. Balochistan's bowlers were largely economical, with a few exceptions including Haris Sohail, who conceded 21 in 2 overs.

There were cameos from Fakhar Zaman (12 off 13) and Mohammad Wasim (12 off 14) as the scoring rate was kept in check. It was Sahibzada Farhan who provided impetus to the innings with 78 off 49 balls, with nine fours and one six, to help his side post a steady 155.

While chasing, Balochistan started slowly with openers Abdul Bangalzai (14) Abdullah Shafique (28) sharing a 33-run stand in 5.1 overs. Imam anchored the innings smartly with an unbeaten 64. Wickets fell around him, including Harris (14 off 16) and Umaid Asif (20 off 12), but Imam and Amad Butt (12* off 5) carried Balochistan home with two balls to spare.

Balochistan 2nd innings Partnerships

WktRunsPlayers
1st33Abdullah ShafiqueAbdul Bangalzai
2nd17Imam-ul-HaqAbdullah Shafique
3rd32Haris SohailImam-ul-Haq
4th58Umaid AsifImam-ul-Haq
5th18Imam-ul-HaqAmad Butt