Dolphins smash their way out of trouble

Shafiq, Ghani take team through to Super Eight T20 Cup semis.

Karachi Dolphins eased their way into the semi-finals of the Super Eight T20 Cup after a five-wicket win over Lahore Eagles in their Group B clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

A superb 62-run stand between Asad Shafiq and Sheharyar Ghani helped Dolphins in chasing down the 149-run target in the 19th over after they were reduced to 74 for three. Mustafa Iqbal rocked the top-order and then returned to dismiss Shafiq as he finished with three for 26. However, he got little support from the other bowlers as Shafiq made a 47-ball 58 and Ghani added a late cameo to ensure Karachi went past the finish line without a twist in the tale.

Lions win ensures Peshawar go through

Earlier, a superb bowling performance from Ziaul Haq ensured Lahore Lions remained unbeaten in Group A as they beat Faisalabad Wolves by 48 runs to knock them out of the tournament.

The win helped Peshawar Panthers qualify for the semi-finals on a superior net run-rate.

Faisalabad, in with a chance of a last-four spot, saw Lahore amass 194 for three with Umar Akmal smashing an unbeaten 57, while brother Kamran hit 46 and Ahmed Shehzad contributed a quickfire 48. However, 17-year-old Zia demolished the Wolves’ batting line-up, finishing with five for 23 as they were restricted to 146 for nine.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2012.