Karachi Region Blues made a confident start to their National T20 Cup Qualifier campaign, defeating Quetta Region by four wickets on the opening day at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 147, Karachi Blues recovered from early setbacks to seal victory with four balls to spare, thanks largely to a composed, match-winning innings from left-hander Muhammad Usman Raheem, who was named Player of the Match.
After winning the toss, Karachi Blues opted to field first, a decision that initially appeared to favour Quetta Region. Opener Syed Jahangir Shah provided momentum at the top with a fluent 39, while wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50. The pair added 49 runs for the second wicket to stabilise Quetta after an early loss.
Quetta’s lower order chipped in late, with Mohammad Junaid striking a brisk 18 from just 10 balls, including two sixes, as the side posted a competitive 146 for five in their 20 overs.
Karachi’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Right-arm fast bowler Fahad Amin was the pick of the attack, finishing with figures of two for 31. Wahaj Riaz, Zeeshan Zameer and Muhammad Raza Chandio claimed a wicket apiece, preventing Quetta from accelerating in the closing overs.
In reply, Karachi Blues endured a shaky start and slipped from 43 for one to 62 for four inside the first 10 overs, putting pressure on the middle order. Left-handed batter Muhammad Taha steadied the chase with a brisk 43 from 29 deliveries, striking seven fours and a six to keep the required rate in check.
The defining contribution, however, came from Usman Raheem, who showed maturity and control under pressure. Batting through the innings, he scored an unbeaten 55 off 40 balls, laced with seven fours and a six, guiding Karachi Blues home. A late cameo from Raza Chandio, who struck 11 off four balls, helped close out the chase.
The win gives Karachi Blues early momentum in the National T20 Cup Qualifier 2025–26, a tournament that serves as a gateway to the main National T20 Cup event.
Karachi Blues will next face Larkana on 16 February, with the match scheduled to begin at 4pm, as they look to build on a solid opening performance and strengthen their push for qualification.
