Khyber Pakhtunkhwa batsman Iftikhar Ahmed says his side has worked on only one thing and that is to play modern day cricket.

Iftikhar’s 25-ball 40  was instrumental in setting up a solid 187 for five in 20 overs for KPK after being put into bat.

"We have worked on one thing and that is we have to bring modern cricket forward," said Iftikhar in a post-match interview. "If you look around some of the best teams in the world, they play modern cricket. Our coaches and captain have told us to play modern cricket irrespective of the result. But we have to bring Pakistan's level up. If you look, our demand is that we have to play modern cricket. 

"And it is the same thing with KPK, whether it is bowling, batting or fielding, we have to play modern day cricket. So this is what happens when you play modern day cricket, you get a lot of success."

Iftikhar, who bats in the middle order, said it was important to cash in on the last overs which is why he has been successful.

"If you look at the matches that I have played, I bat in the middle order. And the middle order plays an important role for the team and to win games. As a batsman, if you have to play in the middle order, you have to cash all the last overs and this is what I have been doing. And Allah has helped me with it."

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa began their National T20 title defence with a 36-run victory over Babar Azam-led Central Punjab.