PESHAWAR: Half-centuries from Muhammad Akhlaq and Farhan Yousuf led Lahore Whites to a 6-wicket win over hosts Peshawar in the opening match of the National T20 Cup 2026 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Yasir Khan’s magnificent half-century topped the order as Peshawar captain Iftikhar Ahmed opted to bat first and managed to post 167/9 in 20 overs.
Yasir scored 65 off 37 balls with 5 sixes and 4 fours, while fellow opener Abuzar Tariq and middle-order batsman Waqar Ahmed scored 26 and 28 respectively.
Apart from them, wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Haris (12) and all-rounder Nabi Gul (16 not out) scored double figures against a controlled bowling attack by Lahore Whites led by Amir Jamal.
Jamal was supported by Mohammad Ramis Jr, who returned an economical bowling figure of 2/24, while Naseem Shah and Ubaid Shah chipped in with a scalp each.
In reply, Lahore Whites chased down a target of 168 runs, which they chased down with four wickets and 18 balls to spare, thanks to an 80-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Farhan and Akhlaq.
Lahore Whites got off to a different start as Mohammad Faiq (nil), Imran Dogar (one) and Dayab Tahir (17) were dismissed cheaply and were reduced to 48/3.
After stumbling early, Farhan joined Akhlaq in the middle and the duo put on 80 runs for the fourth wicket to turn the game around.
Usman Tariq finally broke the menacing partnership by dismissing the right-handed opener who scored 58 runs off 46 balls anchored by eight fours and a six.
Farhan, on the other hand, stood firm and led the Lahore Whites through the line, along with Mohammad Mohsin who scored an unbeaten 17 off nine balls.
The U19 captain scored an unbeaten 61 off 31 balls with 5 fours and four sixes for Lahore Whites and was adjudged the man of the match.
Mohammad Nawaz was the standout bowler for Peshawar, taking 2 for 40 in his four overs, while Mohammad Imran Jr and Usman claimed one wicket each.
A six-wicket win helped Lahore Whites top the Group A standings of the National T20 Cup 2026 with two points from a game, while home side Peshawar slipped to the bottom.