Sharjeel’s heroics in vain as Sialkot win
Sialkot Stallions cruised to an easy 33-run victory over Hyderabad Hawks in the Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 Cup, despite opener Sharjeel Khan continuing his good form with a belligerent 41-ball 74.
Sharjeel’s superb knock contained five boundaries and six maximums. He was supported by captain Azeem Ghumman, who contributed 32, as the two shared an opening stand of 75. However, their departure saw the innings falter as Hyderabad lost their last nine wickets for only 75. Sarmad Anwar was the pick of the bowlers with a three-wicket haul.
Earlier, Sialkot put up a solid batting performance, with most of the batsmen making useful contributions to rack up an imposing 183. Shahid Yusuf top-scored with 48 as Shoaib Malik supported him well with 39. Nasir Awais picked up two wickets for Hyderabad.
Rawalpindi choke Faisalabad
A late batting collapse nearly saw Rawalpindi Rams fritter away an easy win, before they closed out victory by six wickets against Faisalabad Wolves.
Chasing 141 for victory, off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez triggered the collapse, after openers Awais Zia (37) and Naveed Malik had put on 91. Naveed top-scored with a brilliant 30-ball 55, with the help of six boundaries.
Hafeez’s excellent spell yielded three for 24, but the visitors’ late wobble did not do any lasting harm.
Earlier, Faisalabad never got any momentum going, losing their first three wickets for just 39. A 39-run partnership between captain Misbahul Haq, who top-scored with 36, and Khurram Shehzad gave them some respite but a resolute bowling performance kept the game under Rawalpindi’s control. Sohail Tanvir led with figures of two for 23.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2011.
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