Clinical KP ambush Southern Punjab to remain unbeaten.

KARACHI -- It was one-way traffic in the afternoon at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday.

In a lopsided National T20 Cup game, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa played like the champions they are. Southern Punjab had no chance to bounce back from the defeat against Sindh in their opening match the day before. They were comprehensively outplayed in all departments by the Mohammad Rizwan-led side, which cruised to the top of standings with a seven-wicket romp.

This wasn't exactly the rematch of the 2020 final between these teams. Inserted into bat, Southern Punjab's hopes were badly dented in the powerplay when ex-Test seamer Imran Khan sent back Zeeshan Ashraf and captain Sohaib Maqsood in space of three deliveries. And when Mohammad Wasim got rid of Zain Abbas, they further slipped to 34-3.

Used as a pinch-hitter, Mohammad Imran Randhawa underlined his potential as a decent all-round cricketer. The 24-year-old from Khanewal not only registered his maiden T20 half-century but ensured Southern Punjab at least post a total to challenge their rampant opponents.

Imran, who was the top-scorer with a fine 54 off 46...