The balance of power in Taiwanese cricket continued its shift away from Taipei after the Pakistan Badshahs won the 10th Taiwan Annual Tournament in Pingtung on Sunday, beating the Taiwan Southerners (TSCC)
The win reversed their Top Four tournament final defeat in October, with the Badshah’s top order proving too resilient, chasing down 147 in 18 overs with eight wickets remaining.
They started with a bit of luck as opening bowler Jared Painter had a catch put down off Sabir Alishah’s first delivery. Ben Winmill was able to hold onto a similar chance on the point boundary in the next over from Jeff Black.
Hamid Khan went on the offensive with fours through the covers and a six over mid-wicket, but Black picked up his second wicket when he had Khan caught behind in the fourth over for 33.
That brought player of the final Danny Hussan out to join Kashif Mansoor. The batsmen worked hard and were aided by more dropped catches, none more costly than Justin Lambie’s miss off Hussan.
At drinks the Badshahs were 94-2 and well placed. Hussan hit the next two deliveries for six and four over cover and backward point to stamp his intentions on the match. TSCC captain Duane Christie bowled tidily, but no wickets came. Hussan cut Painter through point and heaved him over mid-wicket for fours to finish 72 not out. Mansoor (32 not out) hit the winning runs with 11 deliveries to spare.
Earlier in the day, TSCC had won the toss and elected to bat.
Openers Graham Terblanche and Christie started with some strong, square-of-the-wicket shots. Opening bowler Khan left the field after being struck by a return throw and Touseef Ashraf completed the over and Terblanche was caught from a top-edged pull next ball.
New batsman Black hit a big six off economical left-arm spinner Mansoor, but had to be content with mostly singles for a time. TSCC accelerated from 72-1 at the 11 over mark.
Black launched into the returning Khan with a cover drive for four and another big six over square-leg.
Alishah bowled a couple of tight overs and managed to break a 108-run partnership when Black went for 50, but with Painter able to immediately start hitting boundaries, TSCC were able to post 146-2. Christie remained unbeaten on 53.
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