Report By Maqsood Ahmed.
KARACHI : Bheda Tigers emerged champions of the Khatri Premier League Season 3 Floodlight T20 Cricket Tournament, defeating defending champions Tinger Star by seven wickets in a one-sided final at the historic Asghar Ali Shah Stadium, thanks to the all-round brilliance of first-class cricketer Rizwan Mehmood.
In front of thousands of passionate fans and supporters, Tinger Star, batting first, posted 157 for 6 in the allotted 20 overs against disciplined bowling. Captain Imran Chori of Bheda Tigers expertly rotated his bowlers, with the rising star of the Khatri community, aggressive batsman Muhammad Asad (Mesarwale), top-scoring with an unbeaten 46 off 29 balls (2 fours, 4 sixes). Khurram Manzoor contributed 41 off 41 balls (1 four, 2 sixes), while Usman Khan added 18. Rizwan Mehmood bowled economically, conceding only 18 runs, while Owais Jamali took 2 wickets for 35. Afnan Khan and Owais Wada claimed a wicket each.
Bheda Tigers’ chase started shakily as in-form opener Muhammad Afzal was caught on the first ball off Muzammil Soniya. However, Rizwan Mehmood’s arrival steadied nerves in the dugout. The right-hander smashed a superb 50 off 33 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), sharing a 56-run stand for the second wicket with Tahseen Khatri, who remained unbeaten on 38 off 38 balls (5 fours). Owais Wada hit 29* off 15 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes), and Afnan Khan made 28 off 14 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes), sealing victory for Bheda Tigers.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by MQM Deputy Convener and MNA Dr. Farooq Sattar, who praised the Muslim Khatri community for organizing a successful and memorable tournament at a packed stadium for the third consecutive time. He noted that the event’s success also marked the beginning of Independence Day celebrations.
Bheda Tigers’ captain Imran Chori received the winner’s trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 200,000, while Tinger Star’s skipper Haroon Tara was awarded the runners-up trophy and Rs. 100,000. Man of the Match Rizwan Mehmood received a trophy and Rs. 5,000.
Individual awards included: Best Batsman Osama AB (Dhada Dabang) – Umrah ticket from Bee Kids; Best Wicketkeeper-Batsman Yaqub Soniya (Dhada Dabang); Emerging Bowlers Abdul Raheem Ghazi (Tinger Star) and Hammad Raza Peerji (Soniya Soldier); Best Khatri Community Player Muzammil Soniya (Tinger Star) – Motorbike; and Man of the Tournament guest player Abdullah Fazal – Motorbike. Tournament Secretary Sadiq Khatri presented an honorary shield to Dr. Farooq Sattar and other distinguished guests.