After winning National T20 cup, Taimur Jhagra terms KP ‘Pakistan’s cricket factory’

PESHAWAR: Following Khyber Pakhtunkwa’s triumph over Central Punjab in the National T20 cup, provincial finance minister Taimu Jhagra called the province “Pakistan’s cricket factory”.

“Congratulations KP. T20 champions of Pakistan!” tweeted Jhagra.

The provincial minister recalled that when he was growing up he only remembered Zakir Khan from K-P wearing the Pakistan jersey.

“Today, KP is Pakistan’s cricket factory, producing batters like Younis Khan and quicks like Umer Gul. I hope Ramiz Raja recognises and supports the potential we have,” said the minister. 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa thrash Central Punjab to win National T20 cup

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully defended the National T20 title thanks to their captain Iftikhar Ahmed’s all-round performance, which fashioned a seven-wicket win over Central Punjab in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old all-rounder stroked a whirlwind 45 not out off 19 as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa overhauled a 149-run target with 18 balls spare. Iftikhar arrived at the crease with his side requiring 59 runs from 7.4 overs and smashed two sixes and six fours to finish as the second best batter in the tournament with 409 runs scored at a staggering strike rate of 170.41.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain completed the run chase by smoking Mohammad Faizan for a four through cover on the last ball of the 17^th over and unleashed a roar in the Lahore night sky. He was won the player of the final and the best player of the tournament awards.