Saim Ayub Leads Karachi Whites to Win Over Bahawalpur

A brilliant all-round display from Saim Ayub helped Karachi Region Whites secure a 12-run victory over Bahawalpur Region in the National T20 Cup 2026 during a rain-affected encounter at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on Monday.

The result marked Karachi Whites’ second consecutive win in the tournament.

Bahawalpur post competitive 185

After being asked to bat first, Bahawalpur Region produced a solid batting effort to reach 185 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The innings began positively as Muhammad Akram and Muhammad Faizan Zafar provided a steady start with a 54-run opening partnership.

Akram was the first to depart after scoring 25 from 19 balls, hitting five boundaries, with Muhammad Umar claiming the wicket.

Karachi soon struck again when Saim Ayub dismissed Saad Khan for 8 off 6 balls, leaving Bahawalpur at 63 for 2 after seven overs.

Haider Ali looked aggressive early, launching his first ball for six. However, his innings ended quickly when he was run out by Saqib Khan for 7.

At the other end, Faizan Zafar continued to anchor the innings but fell just short of a half-century. He was dismissed by Ayub for 49 from 33 deliveries, an innings featuring five fours and two sixes.

Irfan powers late surge

The most explosive contribution came from Muhammad Irfan, who played a powerful innings down the order.

Irfan scored 59 from 35 balls, striking five sixes and one four, before becoming Muhammad Umar’s second wicket.

Additional contributions from Muhammad Sarwar (15), Daniyal Hussain Rajput (5), and an unbeaten 12 from 5 balls by M Aazib helped Bahawalpur finish with a competitive total of 185.

For Karachi Whites, Muhammad Umar delivered the standout bowling performance with figures of 3 for 27 in four overs.

Saim Ayub claimed two wickets, while Saqib Khan and Rizwanullah picked up one wicket each.

Rain interrupts Karachi chase

Karachi Whites’ reply was interrupted by rain, leading to a revised target under the DLS method.

Despite the interruption, the opening pair of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal approached the chase confidently and attacked the target from the outset.

Ayub led the charge with an outstanding unbeaten 53 from 33 balls, an innings that included seven fours and two sixes.

He was well supported by Abdullah Fazal, who scored 25 from 21 deliveries, striking three boundaries.

Karachi Whites successfully reached the adjusted target of 78 without losing a wicket in nine overs, sealing a 12-run victory via the DLS method and maintaining their perfect start in the National T20 Cup 2026.

Check out the result of National T20 Cup match 4.