Lahore Whites Beat Peshawar by Six Wickets in National T20 Cup 2026 Opener

Lahore Whites secured a convincing six-wicket win over Peshawar in the National T20 Cup 2026 opener at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on Saturday, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Muhammad Akhlaq and Farhan Yousaf.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Peshawar captain Iftikhar Ahmed saw his decision backfire as the home side posted 167/9 in their 20 overs despite a strong start from Yasir Khan.

Yasir Khan leads Peshawar innings

Yasir Khan provided the early momentum with a quickfire 65 off 37 balls. His knock featured five sixes and four fours and laid the foundation for Peshawar’s total.

Abuzar Tariq added 26 runs, while Waqar Ahmed chipped in with 28. Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris managed 12, and all-rounder Nabi Gul remained unbeaten on 16.

However, the Lahore Whites bowling attack kept things under control. Aamir Jamal led the charge with figures of 3/40 from his four overs. Mohammad Ramiz Jnr also impressed with economical figures of 2/24, while Naseem Shah and Ubaid Shah claimed one wicket each.

Akhlaq and Farhan power Lahore Whites chase

Chasing 168, Lahore Whites initially stumbled and were reduced to 48/3 early in the innings. Mohammad Faiq was dismissed for zero, Imran Dogar managed just one, and Tayyab Tahir contributed 17 before departing.

The momentum shifted when Muhammad Akhlaq and Farhan Yousaf combined for a decisive fourth-wicket partnership of 80 runs.

Akhlaq played a steady hand, scoring 58 from 46 deliveries, which included eight fours and one six. His innings helped stabilise the chase before he was eventually dismissed by Usman Tariq.

Farhan Yousaf continued the job alongside Mohammad Mohsin, who added an unbeaten 17 from nine balls. Farhan remained unbeaten on 61 from just 31 deliveries, striking five fours and four sixes.

Lahore Whites move top of Group A

Farhan’s match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award as Lahore Whites reached the target with four wickets down and 18 balls remaining.

For Peshawar, Mohammad Nawaz was the most successful bowler, taking 2/40 in his four overs. Mohammad Imran Jnr and Usman Tariq claimed one wicket each.

The victory places Lahore Whites at the top of the Group A standings in the National T20 Cup 2026 with two points from their opening match, while Peshawar sit at the bottom after the defeat.

Want to stay updated with the latest cricket news? Check out our previous Sight Screen article here.

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