KARACHI: Tuba Hassan’s 35 and Fatima Zahra’s three wickets helped Stars edge Challengers by six runs in the qualifier of the National Women’s T20 Tournament at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

The win means Stars will take on Conquerors in the final of the tournament, scheduled to be held on Saturday.

After opting to bat first, Stars posted 134 for eight in the allotted 20 overs.

Batting at number six, right-handed Tuba top-scored with a 24-ball 35, which included three fours and a six. Opener Huraina Sajjad contributed 34 off 32, hitting fours boundaries.

Wicket-keeper/batter Sidra Nawaz consumed 34 balls in making 33 laced with two fours.

For Challengers, captain Rameen Shamim with her off-spin took three wickets for 13, while Gull Rukh bagged two for seven runs.

In reply, Challengers in the first over lost Shawaal Zulfiqar who was trapped by fast bowler Waheeda Akhtar. Sadaf Shamas was the second batter to return back to the pavilion after scoring 27 off 20, smashing six fours.

At that stage, Yusra Amir and Natalia Parvaiz stitched a 54-run partnership for the third wicket before Natalia was dismissed by Anoosha Nasir for run-a-ball 28. Following Natalia’s departure, Challengers lost wickets at regular intervals and were restricted to 128 for eight in 20 overs.

Stars’ off-spinner Fatima Zahra claimed three key wickets for just 15 runs and was named player-of-the-match. Anoosha, Waheeda and Tuba snapped a wicket each.

Brief scores:

Stars beat Challengers by six runs at the National Bank Stadium.

STARS 134-8 in 20 overs (Tuba Hassan 35, Huraina Sajjad 34, Sidra Nawaz 33; Rameen Shamim 3-14, Gull Rukh 2-7); CHALLENGERS 128-8 in 20 overs (Yusra Amir 45, Natalia Parvaiz 28, Sadaf Shamas 27; Fatima Zahra 3-15).

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2025