Abbottabad Beat Lahore Blues to Reach Semi-finals

Abbottabad vs Lahore Blues in the National T20 Cup 2026 ended with Abbottabad sealing a dominant eight-wicket victory to qualify for the semi-finals on Monday at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.

Shadab Khan’s outstanding bowling figures of 3 for 10, followed by Kamran Ghulam’s unbeaten 46, helped Abbottabad chase down the target comfortably in the 19th match of the tournament.

The win marked Abbottabad’s third victory and secured their place in the semi-finals of the 10-team National T20 Cup 2026.

Abbottabad finished the league stage with six points from four matches, edging past Sialkot and Multan, who both sit on four points.

They became the third team to qualify for the semi-finals alongside Karachi Whites and Lahore Whites.

The final semi-final spot will be decided after the last league-stage match between Sialkot and Multan, which is also being played at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.

Shadab leads Abbottabad bowling attack

Earlier, Lahore Blues captain Umar Siddiq opted to bat first, but the decision proved costly as his side collapsed for just 86 in 14.3 overs.

The total is the lowest score recorded in the history of the National T20 Cup.

Wicketkeeper batter Hamza Zahoor top-scored with 18 off eight balls.

Ali Razza made 14, while Umar Siddiq scored 11.

Abdullah Asif and Hunain Shah both contributed 10 runs as the rest of the batting line-up failed to build partnerships.

Shadab Khan spearheaded the Abbottabad bowling attack with impressive figures of 3 for 10 in his four overs.

He received strong support from Shahab Khan and Arshad Iqbal, who claimed two wickets each.

Khalid Usman, Fayyaz Khan and Razaullah also picked up one wicket apiece.

Kamran Ghulam finishes chase in style

In reply, Abbottabad chased down the modest target of 87 with ease.

They reached the total for the loss of two wickets with 70 balls remaining.

Kamran Ghulam led the chase with an unbeaten 46 from just 23 deliveries, striking four sixes and three fours.

He was well supported by opener Shahzaib Khan, who scored 32 from 19 balls, including five fours and a six.

The pair shared a crucial 57-run partnership for the second wicket after Abbottabad lost captain Fakhar Zaman for zero on the second delivery of the innings.

For Lahore Blues, Mohammad Salman and Asadullah claimed one wicket each.

Abbottabad’s victory secured their place in the National T20 Cup 2026 semi-finals as the tournament heads into its knockout stage.

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Source: https://www.pcb.com.pk/