The 18th Challengers Cup kicked off with DSA Cricket Club batting first against Rising Star CC at Asifabad. The team lost opener Anas and one down Mirza early on in the innings but recovered remarkably with the help of Ameer Raza and the ever reliable Fahad Jabbar. Ameer's 76 run knock included 6 sixes and was further supported by Fahad's 56 not out that boosted DSA CC to a very competitive 195 for 6 in 20 overs. Despite their early strikes with the ball, Rising Stars bowlers lost their way, giving away too many runs, unable to pick wickets or break the crucial partnership. Aziz Shahid and Danish Fattani were the most notable bowlers for their side with 2 wickets each.
In response, Rising Star CC fell apart, throwing away their wickets, unable to build an innings and keep the scoreboard ticking. DSA bowler Muhammad Akber was outstanding in his spell, picking up 3 wickets, while Abdul Samad Gaba also took 2 wickets to rattle the opposition. Haji Abdur Rehman and Ali were the only players in the top order to show some intent with cameos of 20 and 37 respectively with Danish Fattani also fighting back with 22. However Rising Star were outdone by a fantastic display of bowling and were all out for just 151 in 18.1 overs.
DSA CC open their tournament with a win by 44 runs.
