The fourth round of the Pakistan Cup 2023-24, which took place at various venues in Rawalpindi, AJK, and Abbottabad, witnessed victories by Karachi Whites, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and FATA.
In an outstanding performance, Shan Masood scored an unbeaten century, leading Karachi Whites to an eight-wicket victory over Lahore Whites.
Meanwhile, Peshawar secured a six-wicket win over Lahore Blues, thanks to half-centuries by Kamran Ghulam and Adil Amin. Rawalpindi emerged victorious with a seven-wicket win over Faisalabad, with Mubasir Khan playing a pivotal role. FATA claimed a 60-run victory over Multan in an impressive display.
Karachi Whites vs. Lahore Whites at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Lahore Whites set a target of 249-5 in their allotted 45 overs after being asked to bat first by Karachi Whites at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Tayyab Tahir was the top scorer, remaining unbeaten at 92 from 93 balls, including eight fours and a six. Umar Akmal contributed with 45 runs from 35 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes. Noman Ali and Anwar Ali took two wickets each.
Karachi Whites reached 250-2 in 34.4 overs, with Shan Masood's remarkable performance leading the way. He scored an unbeaten century (121 not out, 99 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes), firmly placing the match in favour of Karachi Whites. Asad Shafiq (86 not out, 89 balls, 9 fours) supported his efforts. Ahmed Bashir took the only two wickets that fell for Lahore Whites.
Peshawar vs. Lahore Blues at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Peshawar won the toss and chose to field first against Lahore Blues at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium. Lahore Blues were bowled out for 173 runs in 42 overs. Imran Butt, the captain, led the scoring with 94 runs from 129 balls, including ten boundaries and a six. Rizwan Hussain contributed 22 runs from 17 balls, including four boundaries. Azam Khan, a left-arm spinner, took four wickets, while Sajid Khan and Mohammad Imran claimed two wickets each.
Peshawar chased down the target of 174 runs in 35.4 overs, losing only four wickets. Kamran Ghulam (54 runs, 49 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) and Adil Amin (50 not out, 74 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) ensured a comfortable chase. Ali Shafique took two wickets, while Hunain Shah and Ibtisam-ul-Haq picked up one each.
Rawalpindi vs. Faisalabad at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad
Rawalpindi won the toss and opted to bowl first against Faisalabad at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. Faisalabad, led by Faheem Ashraf, managed to score 197 runs in 39.5 overs. Mohammad Saleem (41 runs, 55 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) and Ali Shan (37 runs, 42 balls, 5 fours) were the notable run-scorers. Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Awais Anwar, and Jahandad Khan took two wickets each.
After losing three early wickets in the chase, an unbroken 179-run partnership between Mubasir Khan and Umar Amin turned the game in Rawalpindi's favour. Rawalpindi reached the target in 38.5 overs. Mubasir fell one run short of his century, scoring an unbeaten 99 runs from 105 balls, including seven fours and four sixes. Umar Amin contributed with 65 runs not out from 98 balls, including seven fours. Khurram Shahzad took two wickets, while Waqas Maqsood claimed one.
FATA vs. Multan at Mirpur Cricket Stadium, AJK
Multan faced a 60-run defeat against FATA at Mirpur Cricket Stadium. Multan could only manage to score 129 runs while chasing a target of 190. FATA's bowlers delivered an excellent performance while defending a modest total, with captain Khushdil Shah taking three wickets and Asif Afridi and Irfanullah Shah claiming two each. Despite fighting knocks by Sharoon Siraj (58 runs, 82 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) and Sharjeel Khan (38 runs, 32 balls, 5 fours, 1 six), Multan fell short.
In the first innings, FATA reached 189 runs in 42.5 overs, with notable contributions from Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (53 runs, 79 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes), Khushdil Shah (33 runs, 50 balls, 2 fours), and Mohammad Farooq (32 runs, 30 balls, 6 fours, 1 six). Leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood took three wickets, while Tahir Hussain, Waseem Akram, and Faisal Akram each claimed two wickets.