Faysal Bank T20 (FBT20) Cup -- Rawalpindi Rams Cruised into Semi Finals Crushing Faisalabad in a Thriller

Defending T20 champions Rawalpindi Rams handed a shocking defeat to match favourites Faisalabad Wolves by 7 runs in a nail biting Group B match of Faysal Bank T20 Cup, here on National Stadium Karachi. 

Rawalpindi Rams into Semi-finals Beating Faisalabad Wolves by 7 Runs

Rawalpindi Rams have now joined Lahore Eagles and Sialkot Stallions for the semi-finals of the tournament. The last semi-finalist will be the winner of the last match of today being played right now between Peshawar Panthers and hosts Karachi Dolphins. According to latest reports from field; Panthers have set a challenging total of 178 for the Afridi’s men.

Batting first Rawalpindi Rams set a target of 166 to win, while Faisalabad Wolves were restricted to 158-8 in 20 overs. They needed 25 to win in the final over and pace bowler Muhammad Talha smashed Muhammad Ramiz for one six and two boundaries and took a couple but was caught on the final delivery needing eight to win.

Faisalabad Wolves’ start was disastrous as both their openers fell for duck and soon they were reeling at 39 for five. Imran Khalid top-scored with 48 off 35 balls with the help of four boundaries and one six while Skiper Misbah-ul-Haq made a fearless 43 off 36 balls smashing three boundaries and one six but that didn’t proved sufficient to take Wolves past the target set by Rams.

Earlier, Rawalpindi Rams recovered after losing four early wickets to post a spirited total of 165 losing eight wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Umar Amin continued his brilliance with the bat by playing an outstanding innings of 53 runs exhibiting temperament and class in pressure situation. He smashed seven boundaries in his 37-ball knock.

Rawalpindi Rams were bowed down by Wolves at 28-3 in third over, losing their star hitter Awais Zia (15). Then classy Umar Amin took the charge of the game and built an impressive partnership of 97 runs with Jamal Anwar (41). 

Rawalpindi, who made 69-4 in their first ten overs, added 96 runs in the last ten over to put winning total of 166. Pakistan top off-break bowler Saeed Ajmal claimed three wickets for 32 runs in four overs from Faisalabad Wolves.