Mirpur Royals down Overseas Warriors by four wickets

Mirpur Royals down Overseas Warriors by four wickets on Sunday to qualify for the second Eliminator of Kashmir Premier League (KPL).

Chasing a target of 161 runs, Sharjeel gave an ideal start to Royals as he made a brisk 30 from just 17 balls, before he was dismissed by Agha Salman

After a quick start from Royals, Warriors struck in quick succession as Mohammad Akhlaq (26 runs in 14 balls) was removed by their captain Imad Wasim.

Shoaib Malik formed a crucial 45-run partnership with Hassan Khan to take Royals closer to the target. However, Hassan lost his wicket to Faizan Saleem after scoring 20 from 15 balls.

Malik got an able ally in Khushdil Shah, who scored a quick 21 from 8 balls, before he was caught by Rumman Raees on the bowling of Musa Khan

Despite Khushdil’s departure, Malik remained calm and scored 27* not out from 34 balls, to take his team over the finish line with eight balls to spare.

After being asked to bat first, Warriors posted 160/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

The Warriors had a terrible start as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were left reeling at 34/4 in the seventh over.

Kamran Ghulam and Azam Khan were looking set to rebuild the innings but Azam was trapped lbw by Shadab Majeed for 20. He scored two fours and a six in 13-ball stay at the crease. Soon after Azam’s departure, Salman Irshad clean bowled Kamran Ghulam for 18.

Warriors needed their lower-order to stand up and Agha Salman responded with a blistering 59-run knock from just 26 balls, to take his team to competitive total.

Shadab Majeed was the pick of the bowlers for Royal with four wickets, while Sameen Gul and Salman Irshad picked two wickets each.