Karachi Region Blues’ dominant run in the National T20 Cup Qualifier came to a sudden halt on Tuesday night as Bahawalpur Region produced a commanding all-round display to win the final at the Gaddafi Stadium.

For Karachi, the defeat was a rare off-night in an otherwise impressive campaign. Having won four matches on the trot to storm into the final, the Blues were bowled out for 113 in 16 overs while chasing 173, slipping to a 59-run loss despite already sealing qualification for the National T20 Cup 2026.

Bahawalpur’s victory was shaped by their captain Muhammad Imran, who turned a sluggish start into a match-winning total. After managing just 45 runs in the first 10 overs, Imran walked in at number five and transformed the innings, smashing a career-best 80 from 37 balls. His late assault ensured Bahawalpur surged to 172-5, scoring 127 runs in the final 10 overs.

Imran found key support from Mohammad Ammar and Mohammad Faizan Zafar, with the latter providing fireworks in a rapid 82-run stand that decisively swung momentum away from Karachi.

Karachi’s reply began steadily, reaching 93-3 in the 13th over, but a dramatic collapse followed. Seven wickets fell for just 20 runs as Bahawalpur’s bowlers cut through the batting. Ali Shabbir led the charge with three wickets, while Mohammad Umair, Mohammad Junaid and Mohammad Basit claimed two apiece.

For Karachi Blues, only Ahsan Ali offered resistance, top-scoring with a fluent 43. His consistency throughout the tournament earned him the best batter of the tournament award.

Wahaj Riaz, Karachi’s standout with the ball all tournament, was named player of the tournament and best bowler.

Score in Brief

Bahawalpur

172/5 (20.0)

M Imran 80 (37)

M Faizan 35 (15)

Wahaj Riaz 2/22

Usman Raheem 1/9

Karachi Blues

113/10 (16.0)

Ahsan Ali 43 (29)

Shah Raza 18 (12)

Ali Shabbir 3/21

M Umair 2/9

Bahawalpur won by 59 runs

Best Batter

Ahsan Ali

Matches: 5, Runs: 176, Highest score: 65, Strike rate: 133.33, average: 35.26

Best Bowler

Wahaj Riaz

Matches: 5, Wickets: 11, Best figures: 3/14, Economy: 5.33, average: 9.18