Champion Rawalpindi Rams shocked Faisalabad Wolves by seven runs in a thrilling finish to storm into the semifinals of National T20 Cup Cricket Championship at National Stadium here on Friday night.

Set 166 to win, Faisalabad Wolves were restricted to 158-8 in 20 overs. They needed 25 to win in the final over and pace bowler Muhammad Talha struck Muhammad Ramiz for one six and two boundaries and took a couple but was caught on the final delivery needing eight to win.

Imran Khalid top-scored with 48 off 35 balls spiced with four boundaries and one six and Captain Misbah-ul-Haq made a valiant 43 in 36 balls with three 4s and one six but that was not enough to take Faisalabad past Pindi score.

Rawalpindi recovered after losing four early wickets to post a competitive total of 165 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Umar Amin continued his consistent run in the event by scoring a superb 53 in pressure situation. He smashed seven boundaries in his 37-ball knock.

Rawalpindi in dire straits at 28-3 in third over, losing their star hitter Awais Zia (15). But a fighting 97-run fifth wicket between Umar Amin and Jamal Anwar greatly boosted their total.

Rams, who made 69-4 in their first ten over added 96 runs in the last ten over to put challenging total on the board. Pakistan top off-break bowler Saeed Ajmal captured three wickets for 32 runs in four overs to taking the bowling honors.