Shehzad helps Lahore Blues edge Peshawar in thriller

RAWALPINDI (Monitoring Desk): A whirlwind half-century from Ahmed Shehzad helped Lahore Blues to a thrilling three-run win over Peshawar.

Shehzad, who has recently struggled for form in a Pakistan shirt, scored 50 off 22 balls to get his side off to a flying start. Hussain Talat and Mohammad Hafeez scored 37 and 30 respectively as the Blues amassed an intimidating 173 by the halfway mark.

It might have been higher but for an excellent spell from fast bowler Waqas Maqsood, who took 3 for 23 in four overs.

Peshawar, in response, hurtled to 81 inside seven overs, thanks to 41-year old Rafatullah Mohmand, who scored 40 off 25 balls. Having pushed ahead of the asking rate, it looked as if they might pull off a spectacular win. Naved Yasin was in the zone as well, finishing unbeaten on 62 off 44.

But wickets continued to tumble from the other end as tailenders failed to provide adequate support, and in the end Lahore Blues bowled them out with a ball to spare, and three runs still in the bag.