Karachi Whites storm into National T20 final
Abbottabad also advance after rain halts Lahore challenge in the premier event being held in Peshawar
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PESHAWAR: Karachi Region Whites powered into the final of the ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2026 with a commanding five-wicket victory over Sialkot Region while Abbottabad Region progressed after rain forced the abandonment of the second semi-final at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
A blistering 88 off 41 balls from Abdullah Fazal headlined Karachi Whites’ emphatic chase of 166, completed with 29 balls to spare, as they sealed their place in Wednesday’s final.
Abbottabad, meanwhile, advanced without taking the field in the chase after persistent rain washed out their semi-final against Lahore Region Whites, who had earlier posted an imposing 194 for six. Abbottabad qualified by virtue of finishing higher in the group stage standings.
Karachi Whites will now face Abbottabad Region in the final later on Wednesday, with a reserve day scheduled for March 19.
Karachi’s chase was effectively settled inside the powerplay as Abdullah and captain Saud Shakeel tore into the Sialkot attack, racing to 92 in just seven overs. Saud struck a rapid 45 off 21 balls, including five fours and three sixes, setting the tone before falling at the start of the eighth over.
Abdullah continued the onslaught, dominating the bowlers with six fours and seven sixes in a match-winning knock. Though Shan Masood fell cheaply, the outcome was never in doubt as Karachi surged ahead.
Abdullah was eventually dismissed in the 14th over, but Haroon Arshad and Danish Aziz calmly finished the chase in 15.1 overs.
Sialkot captain Usama Mir claimed three wickets but could not prevent his side’s exit, despite finishing the tournament with an impressive tally of 16 wickets.
Earlier, Sialkot posted 165-9 after a competitive effort with the bat. Hasan Nawaz top-scored with 43, while Khawaja Arham contributed 40. A late cameo from Ali Afzal helped lift the total but Karachi’s aggressive chase rendered it insufficient.
For Karachi, Muhammad Umar led the bowling effort with 3-29, while Mohammad Asghar chipped in with two key wickets.
In the rain-affected second semi-final, Lahore Whites produced a formidable batting display, driven by Imran Dogar’s explosive 62 off 31 balls. He shared a crucial 64-run stand with Mohammad Akhlaq, who made 42, to anchor the innings.
Late contributions from Farhan Yousuf and Mohammad Mohsin propelled Lahore to 194 for six, while Abbottabad’s Shahab Khan stood out with four for 28.
However, the contest was cut short before Abbottabad could begin their chase, as steady rainfall forced officials to abandon the match, sending Abbottabad into the final.
Summarised scores:
Semi-final 1: Karachi Region Whites beat Sialkot Region by 5 wickets
Sialkot 165-9 (20 overs); Karachi Whites 167-5 (15.1 overs)
Semi-final 2: Lahore Region Whites vs Abbottabad Region — abandoned
Lahore Whites 194-6 (20 overs)
Final: Karachi Region Whites vs Abbottabad Region — March 18, 7:30 PM PKT
