Umar Akmal’s second consecutive fifty gives Eagles maiden win in KPL Season 2
Umar Akmal delivered a powerful performance, scoring his second consecutive half-century to lead Liyari Eagles to a commanding 79-run victory over Gulshan Stallions in the Karachi Premier League (KPL) Season 2 match at Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground.
Taking the field with aggressive intent, the Eagles’ captain smashed 10 boundaries, including five sixes, to score 70 runs off just 44 balls. He was well-supported by wicketkeeper-batter Faizan Khan, who hit an unbeaten 45 from 23 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes, helping the Eagles post a strong total of 209/8.
For the Stallions, Zia Ullah was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Shahzaib Ahmed took two. Irfan Khan and Muhammad Ikram also claimed a wicket each.
The Stallions struggled to keep up with the high target and were bowled out for 130 in 17.4 overs. Shahzaib Ahmed top-scored for the Stallions with 25 runs off 19 balls, while M. Abiss contributed an unbeaten 21. Umer Sultan led the Eagles’ bowling with three wickets, while Umee Ijaz, Usama Basharat, and Hannan Achakzai each claimed two.
In another game, Johar Bears claimed their first win by defeating North Hawks by seven wickets. The Hawks, batting first, were dismissed for 114 runs in 19.3 overs. Opener Shahzar Hassan provided some resistance with 27 runs off 24 balls, while Rabish Ahmed (15) and Shaaz Shahjani and Zohaib Khan (both with 13) were the only other notable scorers. Usman Tariq excelled with the ball for the Bears, taking three wickets for just eight runs in his four overs. Jamal Uddin Bala and Mirza Ahsan Jameel contributed with two wickets each.
In response, the Bears chased down the target in just 13.5 overs, losing only three wickets. Openers Akbar Khan and Zohaib Idrees got off to a fast start, reaching 50 runs within the first five overs. Despite losing their wickets, the Bears continued their momentum. Sohail played a quick-fire 44 from 24 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes to bring his team close to victory. Arif Khan and Haider Bangash, unbeaten on 14 and 5, respectively, finished the game, guiding the Bears to victory in the 14th over. For the Hawks, Shahjani, Rafay Safdar, and Zohaib Khan each took a wicket.
