FAISALABAD, Oct 26 (APP):Strikers clinched the National Women’s T20 Tournament title after edging out defending
champions Stars by a thrilling one-run margin in a nail-biting final at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad,
completing an unbeaten campaign with nine victories in as many matches.
In a closely contested final, Strikers were bowled out for 115 in 19 overs after opting to bat,
with Natalia Parvaiz scoring 30 runs and Eman Naseer contributing 20. For Stars, Hafsa Khalid
led the bowling attack with four wickets while Tuba Hassan and Diana Baig claimed two
wickets apiece.
Chasing a modest target of 116, Stars fought hard but could manage only 114 for eight
in their allotted 20 overs, falling agonizingly short of victory by a single run.
Sadaf Shamas top-scored for Stars with a fighting 37 but Strikers held their nerve in the
closing stages to seal the championship.
Fast bowler Omaima Sohail played a decisive role in the dramatic finish, successfully
defending 11 runs and grabbing two wickets in the final over to secure the title for Strikers.
Off-spinner Rameen Shamim also made a significant contribution, taking two wickets
for just nine runs in her four overs.
Rameen Shamim was named “Player of the Final” and also claimed the tournament’s
“Best Bowler” award after finishing with an impressive 19 wickets.
Syeda Aroob Shah was declared “Player of the Tournament” for her all-round performance,
scoring 134 runs and taking 10 wickets during the competition. Sadaf Shamas received
the “Best Batter” award after accumulating 285 runs in the tournament.
Strikers received a cash prize of Rs1.5 million for winning the championship while runners-up
Stars were awarded Rs1 million.
The triumph capped a dominant campaign for Strikers who remained unbeaten throughout
the nine-match tournament and denied Stars the opportunity to retain their title in a dramatic final.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
