Lahore and Karachi share the National Women’s T20 title

The 2023/24 edition of the National Women’s T20 tournament commenced on 15th January 2024 and concluded on 31st January 2024. A total of 6 teams from different parts of Pakistan namely Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Quetta, and Peshawar participated in the tournament.

Fatima Sana-Karachi, Nida Dar-Lahore. PC: Getty
Fatima Sana-Karachi, Nida Dar-Lahore. PC: Getty

Lahore Women led by skipper Nida Dar had a fantastic campaign as they managed to stay unbeaten throughout the league stages with 20 points from 10 games and as a result, finished at the top of the points table. On the other hand, Karachi Women led by skipper Fatima Sana finished 2nd on the points table with 12 points from 10 games that included 6 victories and 4 defeats. The veteran top-order batter Sidra Amin was the leading run-scorer of the tournament, and for Lahore with 494 runs at an impressive strike rate of 143.60 and an astonishing average of 98.80 in 10 innings.

Her tally of runs includes 3 half-centuries and a century. Her best performance with the bat came on 18th January 2024 when she scored an unbeaten 113 runs at a humongous strike rate of 205.45 against Peshawar. Javeria Khan was the leading run-scorer with the bat for Karachi with 352 runs to her name at a strike rate of 110.34 and an impressive average of 44 in 10 innings. Her tally of runs included a couple of half-centuries. Her best performance with the bat came on 15th January 2024 in the first game of the season when she scored an unbeaten 74 runs at a strike rate of 129.82 against Quetta.

As far as the bowling unit is concerned, Ghulam Fatima and Nashra Sandhu were the top two wicket-takers of the tournament and, for the Nida Dar-led Lahore side. Ghulam Fatima picked up 21 wickets at a strike rate of 11.14 and an average of 8.24 in 10 matches. Her best performance with the ball came on 15th January 2024 in the 2nd match of the season when she returned with match figures (3/13) in her spell against Multan. Nashra Sandhu picked up 19 wickets with the ball at a strike rate of 11.63 and an average of 10.42 in 10 matches. Her best performance with the ball came on 30th January 2024 when she returned with match figures (3.4-2-2-5) in her spell against Peshawar.

Also Read:  Match 9: Peshawar vs Lahore | Squads | Players to watch | Fantasy Playing XI | Live Streaming | Pitch Report

Syeda Aroob Shah was the leading wicket-taker for Karachi and the 3rd highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 wickets to her name at a strike rate of 14.57 and an average of 12.36 in 10 matches. Her best performance with the ball came on 18th January 2024 when she returned with match figures (3/16) in her spell against Multan.

Lahore led by skipper Nida Dar was all set to face Karachi led by skipper Fatima Sana in the final. However, the grand finale failed to live up to its expectations and turned out to be a disappointment as the game was washed out and the trophy eventually had to be shared between both finalists Lahore and Karachi.

Liked the story? Leave a comment here