KARACHI (Sports Reporter) : Karachi Kids and Rawalpindi Royals have booked their places in the final of the Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League after convincing victories in the semi-finals at the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground.
In the first semi-final, Karachi Kids, owned by renowned social figure Zafar Abbas, stunned the tournament’s strongest side Hyderabad Hunters a team backed by Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori by a massive margin of 167 runs to seal their spot in the final.
The second semi-final saw Rawalpindi Royals, led by Danish Khan, defeat Peshawar Shaheens, owned by Shamim Ahmed, by nine wickets after an exciting contest.
Rawalpindi Royals captain Taimoor Mirza played a match-winning knock, showcasing aggressive stroke play. He completed his half-century off just 14 balls, smashing seven sixes, and played a decisive role in the victory. In the second innings, Mirza scored a blistering 73 runs off 21 balls, including nine sixes and three fours, earning the Player of the Match award.
Earlier in the tournament, Taimoor Mirza also recorded one of the fastest half-centuries, underlining his explosive form.
Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League Chairman Zohaib Nasir expressed satisfaction over the success of the event, saying that the enthusiasm of both players and spectators made the league a huge success. “The aggressive batting entertained the crowd throughout the tournament, and we are hopeful that the final will also be a thrilling contest,” he said.
In the batting charts, Sarmad Hameed of Peshawar Shaheens leads the standings with 426 runs in 14 innings, averaging 32.77 with an impressive strike rate of 264.60. Hyderabad Hunters’ M. Raza is second with 414 runs, while Hassan Qadeer of Sukkur Strikers is third with 398 runs.
In bowling, Mohammad Hasnain of Larkana Warriors tops the list with 22 wickets at an average of 16.27. Qadir Kashmiri of Rawalpindi Royals is second with 18 wickets, while Ameenullah of Hyderabad Hunters also has 18 wickets, placing him third.
[07/01, 4:48?pm] Javed Iqbal Aaj T V: Photo Caption:
Pakistan Tape Ball Federation President Zohaib Nasir presenting the cash prize to Player of the Match Taimoor Mirza after the second semi-final of the Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League, with former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad and others also present.
