Abbottabad registered their name into Pakistan’s domestic cricket history on Sunday June 7th, defeating Karachi Whites by nine wickets to claim their first-ever National T20 Cup title.
The victory was particularly satisfying for Abbottabad, who had narrowly missed out on the trophy in 2023 after losing the final to Karachi Whites by just nine runs. Two years later, they returned to the summit clash and delivered a dominant and complete performance, chasing down 119 after losing only 1 wicket with 37 balls to spare.
The final was effectively won during Abbottabad’s disciplined bowling display. Karachi Whites, boasting the likes of Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Fazal and Abrar Ahmed, never managed to establish control and were restricted to 118.
Arshad Iqbal led the charge with three wickets, while Shahab Khan, Shadab Khan and RazaUllah claimed two wickets each. Muhammad Waseem also contributed with a wicket as Abbottabad’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection.
Speaking after the victory, Abbottabad captain Shadab Khan revealed that the team’s strategy had been shaped during the practice session a day before the final to pick four fast bowlers.
“We saw plenty of grass on the surface and decided to go with four fast bowlers,” Shadab said, a move executed perfectly as Abbottabad’s pace attack consistently troubled Karachi Whites throughout the innings.
With only 119 required for victory, Abbottabad’s batters completed the job in emphatic fashion. They seemed like a team batting on a completely different surface while Karachi Whites bowlers couldn’t replicate the Abbottabad’s bowling display despite having a rich arsenal of fast bowlers.
If there was one moment that summed up Karachi Whites’ day, it came early in Abbottabad’s chase. Saqib produced a brilliant yorker to dismiss Shahzaib Khan, sparking celebrations among the Karachi players. However, the delivery was later adjudged a no-ball, handing Shahzaib a lifeline. The opener went on to score a match-winning 54, and the moment perfectly reflected the fortunes of the day. Even when Karachi Whites created an opportunity, luck seemed to desert them. Simply put, nothing went their way in the final.
At the other end, Kamran Ghulam once again showcased the consistency that defined his tournament. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 45, hitting three sixes and three boundaries to finish the chase in style.
Kamran’s campaign was nothing short of exceptional. He accumulated 268 runs during the tournament and was dismissed only once, ending with a remarkable average of 268.
While Abbottabad celebrated a historic triumph, Karachi Whites were left to reflect on a final that never went according to plan. Despite enjoying an impressive run throughout the competition, they were unable to produce their best performance on the biggest stage.
Karachi Whites captain Saud Shakeel acknowledged the shortcomings after the match, describing the squad as a team still in a learning phase. He admitted that a number of crucial mistakes proved costly and ultimately prevented his side from competing at the level they had shown throughout the tournament.
Shadab Khan also reserved special praise for Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, crediting his contribution and continued support for the development of cricket in the Abbottabad Region. The captain highlighted Fakhar’s efforts behind the scenes and his role in helping raise the standards within the squad.
For Abbottabad, the final represented the perfect culmination of a memorable campaign. Backed by smart planning, relentless fast bowling and composed batting, they turned a painful defeat from two years ago into a historic first National T20 Cup title.
The clinical 9-wicket victory caps off a dominant tournament run for the northern region. Abbottabad claims the grand PKR 5 million winner’s prize, while Karachi Whites take home PKR 2.5 million as runners-up. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management presented the trophies and individual player awards during the closing ceremony at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Despite the disappointment, the campaign should not overshadow the quality Karachi Whites displayed throughout the tournament. Reaching the final is an achievement in itself and a testament to the talent within the squad. RCAK extends its support and best wishes to every player and member of the management. The setback in the final should serve as motivation rather than discouragement. Cricket has always rewarded resilience, and this group has shown enough character throughout the competition to bounce back stronger. The mission remains unfinished, and there will be another opportunity next season to complete the journey.
