On the opening day of the ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2026, held on Saturday night at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, the Lahore Region Whites and Karachi Region Whites achieved victories over the Peshawar Region and Faisalabad Region, respectively.
In the opening match of the tournament, Lahore Whites’ Farhan Yousaf scored an impressive 61 not out, while opening batsman Muhammad Akhlaq contributed a solid 58 runs off 46 balls, leading their team to a six-wicket triumph as they successfully chased down Peshawar’s total of 167-9.
Farhan and Akhlaq partner up for victory
After a challenging start, losing three wickets for just 48 runs during the powerplay, Farhan and Akhlaq formed a crucial partnership, amassing 80 runs off 47 balls, bringing their team closer to victory.
Akhlaq was dismissed in the 14th over after scoring 58 runs from 46 balls, which included eight fours and one six.
Farhan, on the other hand, remained not out at 61 runs off 31 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes.
Mohammad Mohsin contributed an unbeaten 17 runs off nine balls, including two fours, which ultimately secured the win for his team with 18 balls remaining.
For Peshawar, Mohammad Nawaz claimed two of the three early wickets that fell, while Usman Tariq and Mohammad Imran Jnr each took one wicket.
National T20 Cup 2026
The National T20 Cup 2026 commenced on Saturday, March 7, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for March 17 and March 18, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Throughout the tournament, a total of 23 matches will take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar.
In the previous months of October and November 2025, the stadium hosted nine matches of the Quaid e Azam Trophy.
Read more: National T20 Cup 2026 tickets: see prices, availability and how to buy
