LAHORE: Mardan Warriors opener George Thomas scored a magnificent half-century and aided in his team’s five-wicket triumph over Bahawalpur Royals in the seventh match of the ongoing Pakistan Junior League (PJL) on Monday.
Set to chase 146, the Warriors had to overcome a spirited fightback from the Royals who took three quick wickets to cause a stutter in the chase after a brilliant start by the former’s opening duo.
The warriors’ dependable opening pair of Thomas and Shahzaib Khan provided a solid start to their side as they accumulated 78 runs for the first wicket.
Arham Nawab provided a much-needed breakthrough for the Royals as he removed Shahzaib courtesy of a caught and bowled for 32 off 31 balls, laced with five fours.
Thomas, on the other hand, amassed his half-century in 31 balls and proceeded to attack in a 25-run second-wicket stand with Olly Cox.
Nangeyalia Kharote then struck for the Royals as he removed Cox, who could score a run-a-ball 12.
The Warriors then ran into a frustrating collapse as they lost two more wickets and slipped to 127/5 in the 18th over with their top-scorer Thomas also walking back after accumulating 58 off 39 deliveries including six boundaries and two sixes.
Warriors captain Abbas Ali and Daud Nazar then made sure to drive their side to victory as they put on a match-winning 20-run partnership.
Abbas remained unbeaten on 12 off 10, while wicketkeeper batter Nazar made nine not out.
Mohammad Zeeshan and Arham Nawab claimed two wickets each for the Royals, while Kharote made one scalp.
Batting first, the Royals could manage to amass 145/4 in their quota of 20 overs.
The side had an unwanted start as they lost their in-form opener, Basit Ali, for nine in the second over.
Captain Obaid Shahid then anchored the innings with a 45-run stand with Ali Razzaq before the former fell to his counterpart Abbas for 15.
Razzaq top-scored for the side with 44 off 43 balls, laced with seven boundaries and fell victim to Haseeb Khan in an attempt of improving the scoring rate.
Farhan Yousuf and Kharote then provided the impetus to the Royals as the side managed to score 68 runs in the final six overs.
Farhan remained unbeaten with his cameo of 24 in 13 balls with the help of three boundaries and a six, while Kharote made 14 off 13.
Wicketkeeper batter Shahwaiz Irfan also contributed with a run-a-ball 26.
Abbas, Haseeb, Abidullah and Nabeel took a wicket apiece for the Warriors.
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