Challengers Secure Victory Over Stars in National Women’s T20 Tournament

KARACHI: Rameen Shamim’s impressive bowling performance of 2/17, coupled with her crucial unbeaten 21-run innings, propelled Challengers to a four-wicket triumph over Stars in the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2024-25 at the Oval Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Stars’ captain Sidra Amin’s decision to bat first proved disadvantageous, as their batting lineup managed to score only 116 before being all out in their 20 overs.

Sidra Nawaz, batting in the middle order, emerged as the top scorer for the Stars, contributing 27 runs off 26 balls, including a single boundary.

Apart from her, Captain Sidra Amin (23), Tuba Hassan (22), and Samiya Afsar (21) added valuable runs to the total.

However, the remaining Stars’ batters struggled to reach double digits, highlighting the effectiveness of the Challengers’ disciplined bowling attack.

Zeb-un-Nisa and Rameen Shamim stood out with the ball for Challengers, each claiming two wickets. Tasmiya and Muneeba Riyaz each took a wicket.

In response, Challengers successfully chased the target of 117 runs, losing six wickets and with four balls remaining.

Opening batter Sadaf Shams played a composed innings, scoring 32 runs before being dismissed by Neelam Mushtaq in the 13th over.

Challengers faced another setback when Tuba removed Yusra Amir for nine runs, reducing the score to 88/5 in 16.3 overs.

With Challengers needing 29 runs from 21 balls, Rameen Shamim delivered a match-winning performance, scoring an unbeaten 21 runs off just 12 balls and guiding her team to victory on the second ball of the final over.

Shamim’s efforts were complemented by significant contributions from Natalia Parvaiz (18) and Aliya Riaz (17).

Tuba was the most successful bowler for the Stars, taking three wickets for 26 runs in her four overs, but her efforts were not enough.

Neelum Mushtaq and Waheeda Akhtar supported the spinner by taking one wicket each.

The Challengers are scheduled to face Invincibles on Saturday at the same venue.