KARACHI: Dominant displays by Sadaf Shamas and Eyman Fatima lit up Friday’s action in the National Women’s T20 Tournament, as Challengers edged out Stars in a last-over thriller, and Strikers claimed a commanding victory over Invincibles.
At National Bank Stadium, Sadaf Shamas ripped through the Stars’ top order with a devastating spell of 5 for 17, earning her the Player-of-the-Match award. Electing to bat first, Stars crumbled to 32-5 under her spell, with only Kaynat Hafeez showing resistance. Kaynat scored a gritty 48 off 52 balls, striking four boundaries, while Waheeda Akhtar added a late flourish with 21* off 16 to take the total to a modest 108-9 in 20 overs. Rabia Rani also impressed with the ball, claiming 3-17.
In response, Challengers had a rough start and were reeling at 47-5 when Anosha Nasir picked up 3 wickets for just 11 runs. But experienced campaigners Aliya Riaz and skipper Rameen Shamim steadied the innings with nerves of steel. The pair added an unbeaten 65-run stand, guiding their side home with just one ball to spare. Aliya top-scored with 48 not out off 34 deliveries, including seven boundaries, while Rameen chipped in with a valuable 28* off 19 balls, featuring a six and two fours. Their partnership sealed a five-wicket win for Challengers in a tense finish.
Meanwhile, at the Oval Academy Ground, Strikers dominated Invincibles with a seven-wicket win, thanks to a stunning unbeaten 74 from young talent Eyman Fatima. Chasing a competitive 144, Strikers lost two early wickets but found stability through a brilliant third-wicket stand.
Eyman was in sensational form, smashing 10 boundaries and two sixes in her 39-ball knock, and was well supported by skipper Gull Feroza, who played a composed 49 off 46 deliveries. Their 105-run partnership ensured the Strikers crossed the line in just 17.4 overs, wrapping up the chase with ease. Eyman’s explosive innings rightly earned her the Player-of-the-Match title.
Earlier, Invincibles had posted a decent 143-5 after a strong 72-run opening stand between Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar. Muneeba scored a solid 67 off 58 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes, while Ayesha contributed 36 runs off 36 deliveries. However, a sudden middle-order slump restricted their total, as Strikers’ bowlers tightened the grip in the death overs. Noreen Yaqoob was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-21.
Friday’s matches highlighted the rising quality and fierce competitiveness in Pakistan’s domestic women’s cricket. With youngsters like Eyman Fatima and seasoned performers like Sadaf Shamas delivering under pressure, the tournament promises more thrilling moments as it progresses.
