Saim Ayub helps Karachi Whites book place in Pakistan Cup final

Karachi Whites emerged victorious against Multan Region by a margin of 43 runs in the second semi-final of the Pakistan Cup. This success was largely attributed to an outstanding innings of 95 runs by Saim Ayub, coupled with exceptional bowling performances from Sohail Khan and Ghulam Mudassar. The match, plagued by poor visibility, was ultimately decided using the Duckworth-Lewis method.

As a result of their triumph, Karachi Whites have earned the opportunity to face Peshawar in the final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Peshawar secured their spot in the championship match by defeating FATA in the first semi-final with a 44-run victory.

In the semi-final clash at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, Karachi Whites were tasked with batting first, amassing a total of 280 runs in 44.3 overs. In response, Multan Sultans managed to score 229 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 41 overs. However, the match was halted due to reduced visibility, leading to the implementation of the Duckworth-Lewis method to determine the final result.

Karachi Whites' opening pair of Shan Masood and Saim laid a solid foundation with a 106-run partnership for the first wicket. While Shan Masood contributed 41 runs before departing, Saim showcased exceptional form, playing a knock of 95 runs off 86 balls, featuring 12 fours and a six. Other notable contributions came from Habibullah (40 runs), Danish Aziz (33 runs), and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (28 runs).

Multan faced early setbacks, losing two wickets within six overs. Ghulam Mudassar dismissed Sharjeel Khan for a duck, and Zain Abbas for 6 runs.

Although Sohaib Maqsood and Haseebullah formed a partnership, Maqsood's departure after scoring 32 runs added pressure to Multan's chase.

Haseebullah's remarkable century, scoring 106 runs with 12 fours and 2 sixes on 108 balls, proved valiant but insufficient for Multan to secure a victory.

Sohail Khan, the standout bowler for Karachi Whites, claimed 4 wickets for 44 runs, while Ghulam Mudassar took 2 wickets in the impressive bowling effort.