The National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 began with an exciting match at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground in Lahore. Stars secured a convincing 39-run victory over Challengers in the opening game.
The T20 Tournament started on a high note as Stars delivered a strong all-round performance. Captain Tuba Hassan played a key role with the bat. She scored an unbeaten 57 runs off 32 balls, hitting two fours and five sixes.
After choosing to bat first, Stars lost an early wicket. However, a 53-run partnership between Samina Aftab and Kainat Hafeez stabilized the innings. Kainat scored 34 runs off 25 balls, including five boundaries.
Later, Tuba Hassan built a solid partnership with Samina Aftab, who added 33 runs. Tuba then formed an unbeaten 63-run stand with Huraina Sajjad. This helped Stars post a competitive total of 156 for four in 20 overs in the T20 Tournament match.
For Challengers, Zunash Abdul Sattar was the standout bowler. She took two wickets for 34 runs and kept pressure on the batting side.
In response, Challengers struggled to chase the target. They were bowled out for 117 runs in 17 overs. Natalia Pervaiz was the top scorer with 39 runs off 30 balls. Eman Naseer and Sidra Nawaz contributed 23 runs each.
Stars dominated with the ball as well. Omaima Sohail took four wickets, leading the bowling attack. Young spinner Aleesa Mukhtiar claimed two wickets, while Tuba Hassan and Waheeda Akhtar took one each.
The opening match of the T20 Tournament highlighted the competitive spirit of women’s cricket in Pakistan. The strong performances from both teams set the tone for the upcoming matches.
Tuba Hassan was named Player of the Match for her outstanding batting performance. Her contribution proved crucial in securing the win for Stars.
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The next match in the T20 Tournament will see Invincibles face Strikers at the same venue. The match is scheduled to start at 10am on Saturday.
