Zebras prove too hot to handle

Karachi team downs Faisalabad in Super-Eight T20 encounter.

KARACHI: Karachi Zebras’ Anwar Ali bagged three wickets and opener Khurram Manzoor scored an unbeaten half-century to help their side to an eight-wicket win against Faisalabad Wolves in their Faysal Bank Super-Eight T20 Group A match at the Rawalpindi Stadium.

While Wolves welcomed back star spinner Saeed Ajmal, Misbahul Haq missed out due to a fever.

With Pakistan head coach Dav Whatmore watching the proceedings, Wolves could only manage 120 for eight in 20 overs with Ali Waqas top-scoring with 23. Anwar was the chief destroyer, while Danish Kaneria claimed two scalps.

In reply, Ajmal failed to make an impact as Zebras were home with 13 balls to spare. Manzoor struck seven fours in his 49-ball 54 and skipper Hasan Raza struck a fluent 30 not out.

Latif guides Dolphins to impressive win

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s discarded player Khalid Latif made an impressive half-century for Karachi Dolphins which helped them defeat hosts Rawalpindi Rams by 32 runs. Batting first, Dolphins posted 171 for four in 20 overs. Latif made 88 off 61 balls including two sixes and 11 fours.

In reply, Rams ran out of steam and were bowled out for 139 in 18.3.

Latif hoped his performance will pave his way for a comeback in the national team. “I’ve been in good form,” said Latif. “I missed out on being the top-scorer in the one-day tournament but now I’m looking to make full use of this opportunity.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2012.