The NL Stars finally ended their long wait for a Premier Division victory with a commanding 29-run win over the Panthers in the Nissan CNL T20 Premier League. This breakthrough victory marks their first top-division win in four years—a result that not only lifts the team’s morale but also signals their resurgence as serious contenders.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Stars posted a competitive total of 153 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Star batter Adeel Ilyas anchored the innings with a composed and powerful unbeaten knock of 69 from 51 balls. His innings, studded with five towering sixes and two crisp boundaries, set the tone for the team. He was well supported by skipper Mashroor Ahmed, who played a brisk cameo of 28, while Golam Kabid added a useful 20 to build momentum during the middle overs.
Despite some spirited bowling from the Panthers—especially Mehtabdeep Singh and Samba Vejendla, who picked up two wickets apiece—the Stars managed to keep the scoreboard ticking with smart running between the wickets and timely boundaries. Their total of 153 gave them the cushion they needed to apply pressure in the second innings.
The Panthers began their chase with intent but were soon met with disciplined and aggressive bowling from the Stars. Ahmad Mujtaba turned the match on its head with a brilliant spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 13 in his 2.3 overs. His ability to extract bounce and movement kept the batters guessing and led to key breakthroughs.
Tawsif Fahad was equally effective, returning figures of 2 for 16 and striking at critical moments to keep the pressure firmly on the batting side. Umar Farooq also made a big impact with 2 wickets of his own, and together the trio ensured the Panthers never settled into a rhythm. The chase crumbled under the Stars’ relentless attack, with the Panthers eventually dismissed for 124 in 17.3 overs.
This emphatic win is more than just points on the table—it’s a statement from the NL Stars. After enduring years of struggle in the Premier Division, they’ve proven they have the talent, discipline, and belief to compete at the highest level. It’s a moment that will surely inspire the squad and their supporters as the season progresses.
Top Performers
Pal Patel (Panthers) – 30 runs
Adeel Ilyas (NL Stars) – 69* (51 balls)
Ahmad Mujtaba (NL Stars) – 3 wickets for 13 runs
Tawsif Fahad (NL Stars) – 2 wickets for 16 runs