Muzaffarabad: The packed crowd witnessed the entertainment to remember for long, as Kohli skipper Khurram Manzoor escorted his team to the play-offs of the Kingdom Valley Kashmir Premier League, season two.
The wet outfit curtailed the game to 18-over per side. Kotli Lions won the coin-toss and asked Rawalakot Hawks to bat first.
Hawks’ skipper, Ahmad Shahzad’s stay was of just three deliveries as he got out without opening his account in the very first over.
Rawalakot’s misery continued as their second batter, Asif Afridi was dismissed in the second over.
Hawks were 21-3 in five overs and five of their batters, were already in the hut, for just 56 runs. They were in a spot of bother however Ammad Butt came to Hawks’ rescue. Butt kept on stroking his shorts while wickets falling from the other end.
Butt finished with an unbeaten 47 (24), laced with three sixes and four boundaries. Rohail Nazeer and Hussain Tallat were prominent scorers with 20 and 21 runs respectively.
Rawalakot Hawks amassed 133/9 in the allotted 18 overs.
Irfan ullah Shah, with his three wickets, was the pick of bowlers.
To qualify for the play-off the equation was clear before Kotli Lions. They had to overhaul the target in 15.5 overs or less.
Kotli’s openers Khurram Manzoor and Ahsan Ali kicked off in a brisk fashion. Both were severe on bowlers and stormed to team’s hundred in no time.
The target was achieved in 11 overs and Kotli Lions advanced to the play-off stage of the KPL-2.
Khurram Manzoor played an unbeaten lightning knock of 85 runs with 11 fours and four sixes. His partner Ahsan Ali was not-out on 39.
Manzoor was named player of the match.
Mirpur Royals are topping the chart followed by Bagh Stallions, Overseas Warriors and Kotli Lions.
