An unbeaten half-century from Tuba Hassan and a four-wicket haul by Omaima Sohail helped Stars beat Challengers by 39 runs in the opening match of the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground in Lahore on Friday.
After opting to bat, Stars lost opener Omaima Sohail (5, 11b, 1x4) in the fifth over with 20 runs on the board. Samina Aftab and Kainat Hafeez then stitched a 53-run partnership for the second wicket. Kainat scored 34 off 25 balls, hitting five fours.
Kainat and Sidra Amin fell to Zunash Abdul Sattar off consecutive deliveries in the 12th over. At that stage, captain Tuba walked in and scored an unbeaten 57 off 32 balls, which included two fours and five sixes.
Tuba added 20 runs for the fourth wicket with Samina (33, 36b, 4x4s) and then shared an unbroken 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Huraina Sajjad (17 not out, 16b), taking Stars to 156 for four in 20 overs.
For Challengers, Zunash Abdul Sattar was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of two for 34.
In turn, Challengers were bundled out for 117 in 17 overs. Natalia Pervaiz top-scored with 39 off 30 balls, including four fours and a six. Eman Naseer, who captained Pakistan U19 to a series win against Bangladesh U19 last year, scored 23 while wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz also made 23.
For Stars, Omaima Sohail led the bowling attack, while 19-year-old left-arm spinner Aleesa Mukhtiar took two wickets for 22 in three overs. Tuba and Waheeda Akhtar clinched one wicket each.
Muneeba Ali-led Invincibles will take on Nashra Sandhu’s Strikers in the second match of the tournament at the same venue on Saturday. The first ball will be bowled at 10am.
Scores in brief:
Stars beat Challengers by 39 runs at Ghani Glass Cricket Ground
Stars 156-4, 20 overs (Tuba Hassan 57 not out, Kainat Hafeez 34, Samina Aftab 33; Zunash Abdul Sattar 2-34)
Challengers 117 all out, 17 overs (Natalia Pervaiz 39, Eman Naseer 23, Sidra Nawaz 23; Omaima Sohail 4-12, Aleesa Mukhtiar 2-22)
Player of the match – Tuba Hassan (Stars)
Saturday’s fixture: Invincibles v Strikers at Ghani Glass Cricket Ground; 10am start