Bahawalpur Crush Karachi Blues by 59 Runs to Lift Qualifier Trophy

Bahawalpur Region sealed an emphatic 59-run victory over Karachi Region Blues in the final of the National T20 Cup Qualifier at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday night. Although both teams had already secured their places in the upcoming 10-team National T20 Cup 2026 by topping their respective pools, Bahawalpur made a strong statement by finishing their campaign with the trophy.

After opting to bat first, Bahawalpur endured a slow start and managed only 45 runs in the first 10 overs. The momentum shifted dramatically when captain Muhammad Imran walked in at number five. Taking charge of the innings, he transformed the tempo and launched a calculated assault in the latter half. The skipper first added 45 runs with Mohammad Ammar, who made 30 off 36 balls, before accelerating alongside Mohammad Faizan Zafar.

Imran and Faizan put together a rapid 82-run partnership off just 37 deliveries to push the total to a formidable 172 for 5 in 20 overs. Faizan remained unbeaten on 35 from 15 balls, striking two fours and three sixes. Imran led from the front with a career-best 80 off 37 balls, smashing five fours and six sixes as Bahawalpur collected 127 runs in the final 10 overs. For Karachi Blues, off-spinner Wahaj Riaz was the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 22 in his four overs, performances that later earned him both the Player of the Tournament and Best Bowler awards.

Chasing 173, Karachi Blues looked in control at 93 for 3 in 12.1 overs before suffering a dramatic collapse. They lost seven wickets for just 20 runs and were eventually bowled out for 113 in 16 overs. Ali Shabbir was instrumental in triggering the slide, picking up 3 for 21 in his four overs, while Mohammad Umair, Mohammad Junaid and Mohammad Basit claimed two wickets each to wrap up the innings.

Ahsan Ali was the only batter to offer significant resistance for Karachi Blues, scoring a brisk 43 off 29 balls with three fours and three sixes. His consistent performances throughout the competition saw him named Best Batter of the Tournament. Muhammad Imran was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning knock, while Mohammad Akram of Bahawalpur received the Best Wicketkeeper award. Bahawalpur concluded the event with four consecutive victories after losing their opening match to Rawalpindi, carrying strong momentum into the National T20 Cup 2026.