Central Punjab beat Balochistan to win Pakistan Cup
Ahmed Shehzad and Tayyab Tahir scored a half-century each
Central Punjab (CP) beat Balochistan by 50 runs to clinch the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 at the State Bank Stadium in Karachi on Monday.
Opting to bat first, CP posted 254 runs on the scoreboard before bowling out Balochistan for 204 in 42.3 overs.
In reply to 252 runs target, Balochistan's batting line-up collapsed but Bismillah Khan smashed 70 runs before falling to pacer Mohammad Ali.
Opener Haseebullah Khan and Imran Butt scored 27 and 30 runs, respectively.
However, experienced batters Haris Sohail (8) and Asad Shafiq (0) couldn't deliver for their side on the big occasion.
In the end, Kashif Bhatti showed some courage after hitting two sixes off Usama Mir, who claimed 28 wickets in the tournament, in the first two deliveries of the 43rd over.
However, Usama clean-bowled him to help his side clinch the trophy.
For Central Punjab, Ali Shafique claimed three wickets, while Ali and Zafar Gohar claimed
Meanwhile, skipper Aamer Yamin, Qasim Akram, and Usama took a scalp each.
Earlier, Ahmed Shehzad and Tayyab Tahir smashed a half-century each to help Central Punjab post 252 runs on the scoreboard.
Opener Shehzad scored 61 runs off 108 balls, laced up with three boundaries and a maximum, while Tayyab gathered 71 runs off 94 balls.
The much-needed half-century was Shehzad's sixth of the tournament.
However, Shehzad's opening partner Mohammad Faizan looked good but only scored 37 runs.
Zafar Gohar and Aamer Yamin also scored 30 and 34 runs, respectively.
For Balochistan, Mohammad Junaid claimed a five-er, while Kashif Bhatti claimed two wickets.
Amad Butt and Yasir Shah took a scalp each.
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