Muzaffarabad: In the match number seventeen of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), season two, Overseas Warriors, after winning the coin-toss, followed the trend of inviting their opposition, Rawalakot Hawks, to bat first.

Hawks’ openers Ahmad Shahzad and Bismillah Khan started off with a purpose. Bismillah was the aggressor, in particular, stroked 16-ball 30, before getting dismissed, within the power-play.

Ahmad Shahzad was joined by Rohail Khan and the duo stretched the score beyond century. Ahmad was severe on bowlers. He crafted seven fours and two maximum for his innings of 65 (45). His dismissal also put an end to a glorious stand off 77 runs.

Later, Rohail Nazeer (28 off 25) and Ammad Butt (12-ball 21), aided the Hawks to reach 179/8 in 20 overs.

Farhan Shafiq, was economical with bowling spell of four overs, claiming two wickets at the expanse of 16 runs. Ali Shafiq snapped up a couple for 31 runs.

In reply, opener Muhammad Shehzad departed early and afterwards captain Asad Shafiq and Kamran Ghulam propelled Warriors beyond hundred-run mark. After half the innings, the score was 105-1 and Overseas Warriors were in search of swift scoring opportunities, Asad Shafiq heaved one in the deep but caught right at the fence when the score was 139 and Kamran Ghulam, another settled batsman, got caught to end the magnificent stand of 104 runs.

Asad Shafiq was sublime for his 43-ball 66, laced with nine fours and a six. Kamran Ghulam accumulated 39 (28).

Azam Khan and Saif Badar were cruising until Muhammad Amir uprooted the stumps of Saif Badar (7), in the 18th over, to bring Rawalakot back in the game.

Warriors needed 20 in the last two overs and Azam’s onslaught – two sixes and a four – dragged his side to the edge of victory, with only two runs required in the last over.

Overseas Warriors eventually won by six wickets.

Azam Khan remained unbeaten on 13-ball 29 (one four and three sixes).

Asad Shafiq was adjudged player of the match.

After five games and seven points, in the bag, Overseas Warriors have climbed to top of the points table.