Kamran Akmal brilliance takes Lahore(W) to Semifinals of National T20 cup
World record opening stand of 209 runs by Kamran Akmal & Salman Butt helps Lahore Whites to beat Islamabad.
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
Lahore Whites become the second team after Lahore Blues to reserve the semifinal seat. The decision to field first, after winning the toss by captain of Islamabad team, Shan Masood, proved costly as the opening batsmen of Lahore Whites launched a baton charge against the Islamabad bowlers which lasted for all 20 over. Akmal remains unbeaten on 150 runs after facing 71 balls with the help of 14 boundaries and 12 huge 6’s. This innings by Kamran Akmal is the biggest so-far of the tournament. From the other end captain of Lahore whites Salman butt also remained not out. He played 49 balls for his 55 runs with 8 boundaries. Lahore Whites scored a massive 209 runs without losing a wicket in allotted 20 overs.
All the 5 Islamabad bowlers went for plenty, Mohammad Irfan gave 48 runs, Rahat Ali 40, Raza Hassan 38, Adil Amin 44 and Umar Gul 39. None of the bowlers was able to take any wicket for Islamabad.
In Reply, Islamabad team was bowled out on just 100 runs in 18.4 as Lahore whites won the 109 runs. Raza Hassan from the down order was the highest scorer for Islamabad. He got out after scoring 19 runs. Other than Raza Islamabad Captain Shan Masood scored 17 runs, Saad Ali 13 and Ali Sarfaraz added 11 runs. 7 Islamabad batsman could not get into the double figures. Asif Ali and Bilal Asif took 3 wickets each, while Wahab Riaz got 2 and Ehsan Adil & Aamer Yamin shared 1 wicket apiece. After winning the match Lahore Whites qualifies for the Semifinal of Brighto Paints, Cool & Cool National T20 Cup 2017.
The innings of Kamran Akmal broke many records, the highest individual innings National record, most No's of 6's in 1 innings and the 1st wicket partnership record with Salman butt. Kamran Akmal got the National record of highest individual innings in T20 format and also he is now the highest runs scorer in this tournament with 382 runs with the help of 1 hundred and 4 half centuries. He also now holds another National record of hitting most number of 6's in 1 match. He along with Salman butt also made a record of first innings partnership of 209 runs, the highest ever at any level in T20 format. Previous record for the 1st wicket stand was 207 runs by Denly JL & Drummond Bell of Kent, made earlier this year while playing against Essex on 17 Aug 2017.
Kamran Akmal for his blistering innings was declared the man of the match. After the defeated against Lahore Whites, Islamabad is out of the Semifinal race. Faisalabad stands 3rd in the points table followed by Karachi Whites on 4th.
_mq.jpg)