A brilliant innings from Natalia Pervaiz, coupled with a disciplined bowling performance, helped the Challengers secure a thrilling seven-run victory over the Invincibles in the 18th match of the Oval Academy Ground will host the National Women’s T20 Tournament (NWT20) on Monday.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the Challengers scored 161/9 in the 20 overs they were given. Pervaiz was the standout batter, contributing 47 runs off 39 balls, including one six and five fours. Supporting her efforts, Yusra Amir and Aliya Riaz both scored 27 runs each, while Rameen Shamim added a quickfire 22 off 11 balls, featuring three boundaries. Komal Khan contributed 13 runs, while Sadaf Shamas and Tasmia Rubab scored six runs apiece.
Despite contributions from the top order, the Challengers’ innings faltered towards the end, as Gull Rukh and Zaib-un-Nisa were dismissed without scoring, and Shawaal Zulfiqar managed only a single run.
For the Invincibles, Omaima Sohail was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/23 in her three-over spell, which included a maiden over. Neha Sharmin also impressed with the ball, claiming 2/32 in her four overs. Saima Malik, Amber Kainat, and Tania Saeed each took one wicket.
Chasing a target of 162, the Invincibles made a determined effort but fell short, finishing their innings at 154/6 in 20 overs. Ayesha Zafar top-scored for the Invincibles with 49 runs off 37 balls, including eight boundaries, but her efforts were not enough to propel her team to victory.
Omaima Sohail followed up her excellent bowling performance with a solid 39 runs off 31 balls, hitting four boundaries. Muneeba Ali contributed 30 runs from 20 balls, with two sixes and two fours. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with Iram Javed scoring 11 and Amber, Neha, Saiqa Riaz, and Shabnam Hayat contributing only seven, four, four, and two runs, respectively.
The Challengers’ bowlers maintained tight lines throughout the innings. Tasmia, Rabia Rani, Nisa, Sadaf Shamas, and Rameen Shamim each claimed one wicket, ensuring that the Invincibles could not build any momentum in their chase.
With the win, the Challengers strengthened their position in the tournament, while the Invincibles will look to regroup ahead of their next match.