Pakistan One-Day Cup 2022 | BAL vs KPK | Final: Yasir Shah, Abdul Bangalzai shine as Balochistan lay hands on silverware

The final battle between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Pakistan One-Day Cup 2022 saw the defending champions failing to retain their crown on Friday. Balochistan thrived in the marquee clash and rode on the brilliance of Yasir Shah and Abdul Bangalzai to trump Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets.

As Balochistan's bowlers rose to the occasion and delivered a splendid performance to bowl out Khyber for just 171 runs, their batters had a small task in hand, in which they successfully prevailed.

Bangalzai and Haseebullah came to the fore and batted with utmost ease. Both the batters did not let the pressure of the final mount on their head and passed the litmus test with flying colours. While Haseebullah played second fiddle to the 19-year-old and scored 45 runs off 58 deliveries, his partner donned the aggressor's role and hit a blistering 80-run knock.

Haseebullah perished with his side close to the target. Still, his wicket came a little too late for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Asad Shafiq decorated the run-chase with his finishing touches and denied the opposition their second consecutive title.

The win brought a maiden trophy for the Yasir Shah-led Balochistan, who were looking for it since the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revamped the domestic structure in 2018-19.

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were off to the worst possible start after being put in to bat. Kamran Ghulam anchored the ship, but his valiant effort could take his side to a paltry 171-run total. 

Yasir delivered a brilliant spell with the ball, claiming four wickets, giving away mere 33 runs in his full quota of overs. Khurram Shahzad, Akif Javed and Asad Shafiq also chipped in the crucial wickets and gave Balochistan a significant push in the final.

Brief scores:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - 171/10

Kamran Ghulam 70 (91), Rehan Afridi 27* (38)

Yasir Shah 33/4;

Balochistan - 175/2

Abdul Bangalzai 80* (77), Haseebullah 45 (58)

Khalid Usman 47/2

Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 8 wickets