Shahzaib Khan’s unbeaten half-century and a disciplined bowling effort helped Abbottabad chase down 119 with 37 balls to spare against Karachi Whites.

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Abbottabad produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Karachi Whites by nine wickets and lift their first-ever National T20 Cup title at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Led by Shadab Khan, Abbottabad comfortably chased down a modest target of 119 in just 13.5 overs, avenging their narrow defeat to the same opponents in the 2023-24 final.

The foundation for the victory was laid by the bowling attack, with fast bowler Arshad Iqbal claiming 3 for 28 as Karachi Whites were bundled out for 118 in 18.3 overs. Despite a promising start, Karachi Whites lost wickets at regular intervals due to a series of rash shots and poor shot selection.

Captain Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Fazal failed to capitalize on the powerplay, while Haroon Arshad’s brief cameo ended before it could develop into a substantial innings. Karachi’s middle order also struggled, with Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood unable to anchor the innings after surviving an early chance. Saqib Khan’s run-a-ball 22 provided some late resistance, but the total never looked competitive on a batting-friendly surface.

Abbottabad’s chase was clinical from the outset. Openers Afaq Khan and Shahzaib Khan gave their side a strong platform, reaching 50 without loss inside the powerplay. Shahzaib took the attack to the bowlers with a mix of elegant strokeplay and powerful hitting, striking boundaries and sixes with ease.

After Afaq’s dismissal, Shahzaib found an ideal partner in Kamran Ghulam. The duo combined aggression with smart rotation of strike to ensure there were no hiccups in the chase. Shahzaib remained unbeaten on 54 from 41 deliveries, registering the only half-century of the final, while Ghulam finished on a blistering 45 not out off 26 balls.

Ghulam accelerated towards the end with three sixes and three boundaries, including the winning four that sealed the title with more than six overs remaining. Their unbroken partnership ensured Abbottabad completed one of the most convincing victories in a National T20 Cup final.

The triumph marks a historic moment for Abbottabad cricket, as they finally got their hands on the trophy after falling short in the previous final. It was a fitting reward for a side that excelled with both bat and ball when it mattered most.