rki.news

By Ghulam Farid

The recently concluded Sohni Dharti Pakistan Cricket League (PCL) Season
12 ended on a thrilling note as Multan Sultans lifted the coveted title after
defeating Islamabad United by a comprehensive 76-run margin in a high
scoring final.
The three-month-long tournament featured six well-balanced teams, Multan
Sultans, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar
Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. The teams were led by Imtiaz Hussain, Amir
Khan, Rao Ali Gohar, Zeeshan Akhter, Asghar Nadeem and Rana Atif
respectively.
A total of 120 players participated in the event, with 34 matches played
throughout the tournament. The competition was conducted under the
supervision of a four-member Technical Committee comprising Syed Nasooh
Akhter, Taimoor Abbas, Chaudhry Aqeel Rasheed and Ghulam Farid, while
Taimoor Abbas also served as the brand ambassador of the tournament.
After an exciting league phase, Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad
United and Quetta Gladiators qualified for the playoffs. Multan Sultans and
Islamabad United emerged victorious in their knockout encounters to set up a
highly anticipated final.
Winning the toss in the final, Islamabad United opted to field first. Multan
Sultans’ top order laid a solid foundation, allowing the middle and lower
order to accelerate and post a formidable 249/8 in the allotted 20 overs.
The highlight of the innings was a breathtaking knock from explosive opener
Umar Adeel, who remained unbeaten on 97 off just 37 balls. His dazzling
innings included 11 towering sixes and five boundaries, as he dismantled the Classification: Internal
United bowling attack with fearless stroke play. Muhammad Nadeem also
contributed a quick 30 off 15 balls to push the total further.
For Islamabad United, captain Amir Khan and Zeeshan Saleem claimed two
wickets each, while Syed Raza Anees bowled an economical spell and picked
up one wicket.
Chasing a daunting target of 250, Islamabad United suffered an early setback
with the loss of their key batter Asif Balouch. Multan Sultans’ bowlers
maintained a tight line and length, complemented by sharp fielding and
excellent catching, steadily increasing the required run rate and putting the
opposition under immense pressure.
Despite fighting knocks from Muhammad Qasim (41) and Nadeem Aslam
(35), Islamabad United could not keep pace with the required rate and were
eventually bowled out for 173, handing Multan Sultans a convincing 76-run
victory.
Among the bowlers, Ramiz Waseem led the charge with three wickets, while
Shahid Nadeem, Shehzad Ali and Mirza Danish chipped in with two wickets
each.
The grand final attracted a large crowd of spectators, who thoroughly enjoyed
the contest played in excellent spirit under the supervision of neutral umpires.
Throughout the tournament, Multan Sultans impressed with a balanced side
and a strong bowling unit, while Islamabad United showcased a powerful
batting lineup, making the final a fascinating battle between bat and ball.
Both captains Imtiaz Hussain and Amir Khan were praised for their
outstanding leadership during the tournament.
For his sensational innings and brilliant running catch in the outfield, Umar
Adeel was declared Player of the Match.Classification: Internal
In the individual awards, Muhammad Qasim was named Best Bowler with 19
wickets, Amir Khan won the Best Batter Award with 356 runs, the highest in
the tournament, while Muhammad Khalid was declared the Top Performer of
the Tournament.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Anwar Ali Rana thanked
Zafar Chandio, Sports Secretary Sohni Dharti, all participating teams,
captains, members of the technical committee, and volunteers particularly
Zeeshan Akhter, Imran Dilawar and his three sons for their dedicated support
in scoring and managing logistical arrangements throughout the tournament.
Sports Secretary Zafar Chandio also expressed gratitude to everyone involved
in making the tournament a grand success. Participants and spectators alike
appreciated his untiring efforts in organizing the event, which featured high
quality kits for teams, excellent cricket equipment, neutral match officials,
proper ground maintenance ensuring player safety and impressive trophies
for individual awards, Dedicated Player Awards, Man of the Match winners,
as well as champion and runner-up teams.
The Technical Committee also announced the Team of the Tournament,
comprising standout performers across all departments. The squad featured
five players from Multan Sultans, three from Islamabad United, three from
Lahore Qalandars, and one each from Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings.
Team of the Tournament (PCL-12):
Amir Mehmood, Umar Adeel, Muhammad Khalid (W.K), Ahsan Rajput,
Imtiaz Hussain, Amir Khan, Junaid Khan, Muhammad Qasim, Shehzad Ali,
Gulshan Ali, Ghulam Farid, Shahid Nadeem and Ahmad Hassan.
The successful completion of Sohni Dharti PCL Season 12 once again
highlighted the passion for cricket within the community and provided an
excellent platform for talented players to showcase their skills.