Imam, Junaid lift Balochistan off bottom of the table

Imam-ul-Haq's half-century and Junaid Khan's three wickets lifted Balochistan to an emphatic six-wicket win over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The victory lifted them off the bottom position and also provided some hope to finish in the top four.

Balochistan, who had four players ruled out due to to Covid-19, opted to field first. Debutant Aamer Azmat was dismissed by Junaid in the opening open before Israrullah (19) and Mohammad Rizwan (17) helped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to recover. Balochistan's bowlers were largely economical, with a few exceptions including Haris Sohail, who conceded 21 in 2 overs.

There were cameos from Fakhar Zaman (12 off 13) and Mohammad Wasim (12 off 14) as the scoring rate was kept in check. It was Sahibzada Farhan who provided impetus to the innings with 78 off 49 balls, with nine fours and one six, to help his side post a steady 155.

While chasing, Balochistan started slowly with openers Abdul Bangalzai (14) Abdullah Shafique (28) sharing a 33-run stand in 5.1 overs. Imam anchored the innings smartly with an unbeaten 64. Wickets fell around him, including Harris (14 off 16) and Umaid Asif (20 off 12), but Imam and Amad Butt (12* off 5) carried Balochistan home with two balls to spare.