KARACHI: Inspired by half-centuries from Nain Abidi and Bismah Maroof, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) cantered a 46-run win over the PCB XI to win the inaugural Departmental Women’s T20 Cricket Championship here at the National Stadium on Thursday.

In a lopsided final, ZTBL continued their domination by sealing a seventh successive success, having gone through the three-leg league stage with six wins, after putting up another strong batting effort.

Nain and Bismah were the stars as the experienced Pakistan duo shared a second-wicket partnership of 124 after Sana Mir opted to bat first at the toss. The bankers eventually reached a commanding total of 179-3 with Nain contributing an undefeated 85 and Bismah 65.

Nain, who was adjudged player-of-the-match, negotiated just 65 balls while striking 13 boundaries. Bismah was even more aggressive as she raced to 65 from only 39 deliveries with the aid of eight fours and one six.

PCB ZI, in reply, struggled all the way before their 20-over innings concluded at 133-9. Marina Iqbal hit three fours and one six in making 33 off 24 balls, while opener Sana Taj slammed four boundaries in a quick knock of 20 from a dozen deliveries.

Sana Mir claimed two wickets for 24 runs, seamer Diana Baig 2-35 and slow left-armer Almas Akram 2-25 with all three bowling four overs each.

Javeria Rauf despite making only nine on Thursday was declared player-of-the-tournament for her tally of 250 runs.

ZTBL received the winners’ purse of Rs100,000 along with the trophy while PCB XI skipper Rameen Shamin collected Rs75,000.

Thursday’s result:

Final: ZTBL beat PCB XI by 46 runs.

ZTBL 179-3 in 20 overs (Nain Abidi 85 not out, Bismah Maroof 65); PCB XI 133-9 in 20 overs (Marina Iqbal 33, Sana Taj 20, Subhana Tariq 19, Saba Nazir 16 not out; Sana Mir 2-24, Almas Akram 2-25, Diana Baig 2-35).

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2018