Karachi Region Blues underlined their growing stature in domestic cricket as they sealed qualification for the National T20 Cup 2026 with a composed 26-run victory over Islamabad Region in Lahore.
The win, achieved on Sunday night at the Gaddafi Stadium, capped a perfect Pool A campaign for the Karachi side, who finished unbeaten with four wins from four matches.
The result also booked them a place in the qualifier final, scheduled for 24 February, while confirming their return to the National T20 Cup main round in March.
From a Karachi perspective, the campaign has been one of control and consistency.
Opener Ahsan Ali set the tone with a fluent 45 from 33 balls, striking six boundaries and ensuring Karachi made a brisk start. He found a reliable partner in Mohammad Taha, with the pair adding 56 runs for the second wicket to steady the innings during the middle phase.
After the dismissals of Ahsan and Taha, wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori provided momentum before retiring hurt on 28, while Wahaj Riaz’s unbeaten 21 from 14 balls gave the innings a late push.
Karachi closed on a competitive 161 for four, a total that once again reflected their ability to maximise resources without undue risk. Arsal Sheikh was the standout bowler for Islamabad, claiming two wickets.
Islamabad’s reply never quite found rhythm. Early wickets left them under pressure, and despite resistance from Rizwan Ali, who made 26 after arriving with his side in trouble, the chase continued to stall. Captain Ali Imran’s 24 at the top briefly raised hopes, but Karachi’s bowlers kept tightening the grip.
Arsal Sheikh top-scored with 34 from 25 balls after Islamabad slipped to 81 for five, yet the asking rate and regular breakthroughs proved decisive. Mohammad Raza delivered a spell that defined the contest, returning outstanding figures of two for eight in just over three overs. He was well supported by Rehman Ghani, Wahaj Riaz, Aarish Ali Khan and Asad Akhtar, each picking up two wickets as Islamabad were bowled out for 135.
