MULTAN: Opener Sahibzada Farhan smashed a record-breaking century against Quetta to help Peshawar cruise into the quarter-finals of the National T20 Cup at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Sahibzada’s 162 not out broke the record for highest individual T20 score in Pakistan — previously held by Kamran Akmal (150 not out).

Peshawar, Lahore Whites, Karachi Whites and Lahore Blues made the quarters as the group stage came to an end on Friday.

Lahore Whites’ win over Karachi Blues earlier in the day at the same venue meant Peshawar needed to win their Group ‘A’ game by a huge margin to reach the quarters.

After being sent in to bat, Peshawar were lifted to 239-1 in their 20 overs largely through Sahibzada’s 72-ball knock which included 14 fours and 11 sixes. Quetta were bowled out for 113 in 19.3 overs. Usman Tariq took 4-17.

Earlier, Lahore Whites topped Group ‘A’ after beating Karachi Blues by eight runs. Batting first, Lahore Whites posted 146-9. Mohammad Mohsin scored 47. Karachi Blues’ Mohammad Hamza took 3-35.

In reply, Ubaid Shah (3-27) helped Lahore Whites’ restrict Karachi Blues to 138-9.

In Group ‘A’ Lahore Whites, Peshawar and Karachi Blues finished at six points each. Blues missed out on qualification to next stage due to lesser net run-rate.

At the Iqbal Stadium, Shan Masood’s 51 against Bahawalpur ensured Karachi Whites finish top of Group ‘B’. Batting first, Karachi Whites totalled 182-5. In reply, Bahawalpur could post 165-5.

Karachi Whites’ win earlier in the day meant that the second Group ‘B’ fixture between Lahore Blues and Islamabad became a knockout. Chasing 119, Imran Butt’s unbeaten 63 steered Lahore Blues to the quarter-finals.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2025