Challengers extend winning streak as Nasir takes fifer; Aroob Shah steamroll Dynamites in Pakistan Cup

At National Stadium in Karachi, Javeria Rauf and Ayesha Zafar started well for the Strikers as they put a partnership of 50 runs. Nasir took five wickets to break the back of Strikers batting innings as they were bundled out for 163 runs. Diana Baig, too, was back amongst the wickets as she took three wickets, including Rauf.

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In reply, Challengers’ captain Javeria Khan clobbered unbeaten 80 runs off 92 balls and she was supported by Iram Javed who scored 43 runs off 40 balls. For Strikers, Fatima Sana and Hafsa Khalid took a wicket each, but they could not stop the 82-run partnership between Khan and Javed, who led Challengers to their fourth consecutive win of the tournament.

At the Oval Academy Ground, Dynamites were in the spot of bother after Blasters won the toss and decided to field first. Muneeba Ali had to trudge back to the pavilion as Nida Dar took a catch off her own bowling. Sadaf Shamas and Kainat Imtiaz put a brave partnership of 48 runs, but Shah took four wickets as Dynamites were all out for 104 runs in the first innings.

Blasters, who only managed to score 59 runs in their previous match against the Challengers chased down the modest target in the 25th over with eight wickets in hand. Nahida Khan (43*) and Gul Feroza (29) put up an opening partnership of 66 runs, making it easier for the batters who follow. Ghulam Fatima and Nashra Sandhu took one wicket each for the Dynamites.

Brief Score:

Strikers: 163 all out in 45.1 overs (Ayesha Zafar 38, Javeria Rauf 27; Anoosha Nasir 5/27) lost to Challengers 164/2 in 31.1 overs (Javeria Khan 80*, Iram Javed 43*; Fatima Khan 1/11) by eight wickets.

Dynamites: 104 all out in 39.2 overs (Sadaf Shamas 33, Kainat Imtiaz 21; Sayeda Aroob Shah 4/25) lost to Blasters 105/2 in 24.1 overs (Nahida Khan 43*, Gul Feroza 29; Ghulam Fatima 1/24) by eight wickets