Sahibzada Farhan's stunning century powers Peshawar into National T20 Cup final

Sahibzada Farhan's brilliant batting display helped Peshawar Region reach the final of the National T20 Cup after a big win against Abbottabad in the first semifinal at Iqbal Stadium on Wednesday.

Peshawar were asked to bat first and put up a huge total of 243 runs for three wickets in their 20 overs. They scored at an impressive run rate of over 12 runs per over.

The star of the innings was Sahibzada Farhan, who smashed a record-breaking 148 runs off just 72 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 12 massive sixes, with a striking rate of over 200. His powerful knock set the perfect platform for his team.

Waqar Ahmed supported him well, scoring 34 runs off 27 balls. He hit three boundaries and a six before losing his wicket when the team score was 116 in 11.1 overs.

Maaz Sadaqat also played a quick innings, making 31 runs off 17 balls with four fours and a six. He got out at 221/2 in 18.5 overs but helped maintain the strong momentum.

In the last overs, Muhammad Amir Barki entertained the crowd with a rapid 20 runs off just five balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Captain Iftikhar Ahmed stayed unbeaten on two runs as Peshawar finished at 243/3.

Abbottabad’s bowlers found it hard to stop the flow of runs. Shahab Khan, Yasir Shah, and Ahmed Khan took one wicket each. The bowlers also gave away eight extra runs, including six wides and two no-balls.

Chasing a big target, Abbottabad managed 187 runs for eight wickets in their 20 overs. Their innings was powered by a quick half-century from Shahzaib Khan and an attacking knock from Sajjad Ali Hashmi.

Shahzaib scored 53 runs off 43 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. Sajjad Ali Hashmi added 37 runs off 22 balls with a strike rate of 168.18. Their partnership gave Abbottabad a good start before Sajjad got out when the score was 74 in the seventh over.

Afaq Ahmed (14 off 6) and Khayam Khan (13 off 6) tried to keep up the scoring rate, but Abbottabad kept losing wickets. Atizaz Habib Khan (5), Ahmed Khan (2), and Kamran Ghulam (2) could not make an impact.

Khalid Usman added some runs at the end, scoring 17 off 10 balls. Shahab Khan stayed not out on 32 off 17 balls. Extras added 11 runs to their total.

For Peshawar, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Imran Jr., Israrullah, and Iftikhar Ahmed all took two wickets each. Their combined bowling effort helped Peshawar secure an easy win and book their place in the National T20 Cup final.