Sports

Akbar leads Zebras to final

Team beats Dolphins by 81 runs at national one-day cup.

Our Correspondent March 21, 2013 1 min read

Khurram Manzoor made an important run-a-ball 60 with eight strikes to the fence as he contributed to Zebra’s race to the final. PHOTO: FILE AFP

KARACHI: All-rounder Akbarur Rehman, one of the best player of this domestic season, scored a half-century and took three wickets as Karachi Zebras trampled Karachi Dolphins by 81 runs in the second semi-final of the Faysal Bank One-day Cup here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Zebras will now meet Lahore Lions in the final on March 23.

Asked to bat first, Zebras managed a decent 239 in 49.3 overs as their batting revolved around Akbar, who made 63 with five boundaries, while Khurram Manzoor made an equally important run-a-ball 60 with eight strikes to the fence.

In the lower-order, Javed Mansoor chipped in with a useful 33-run knock while Atif Maqbool, Sohail Khan and Babar Rehman took two wickets apiece.

In reply, Dolphins failed to mount any serious challenge as they were bundled out for 158 in 43.1 overs. Shahzaib Hasan top-scored with 42, while wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed made 36 with a six and two boundaries. Misbah Khan bowled well to claim three wickets.

Akbar was adjudged man-of-the-match for his all round show as he took his tournament tally to 219 runs and five wickets. He also ended up us the leading run-scorer of Quaid-i-Azam Trophy with 986 runs with the best of 225 while also took 22 wickets in the event with his leg-spin and medium pace bowling.

Zebras coach Azam Khan said he was pleased his side defeated Dolphins who were considered the stronger of the two Karachi teams with as many as six international players.

“I’m proud of my team which continues to grow from strength to strength with each match,” Khan told The Express Tribune.

“Everyone has gelled as a family member during this season and that has been the key factor in our success. Whenever the main players were out of form, there have been contributions from the others.” Khan also praised maverick all-rounder Akbar, stating that he should be selected in the national team as he is in his best form currently.

“I’ve run out of words for Akbar; he has been so good this season. I hope he can do the same in international cricket as well if given the chance.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2013.