Hammad Azam hit a superb 66, affected a run-out and then hit a six in the Super Over. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS
Defending champions Lahore Lions will face Rawalpindi Rams in the semi-final of the Faysal Bank Super-Eight T20 tournament, while Sialkot Stallions will lock horns with Faisalabad Wolves in the other last-four match today at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Lions topped Group A with six points, while Stallions ended up in second place with four points. Meanwhile, in Group B, Rams clinched top spot with six after an exciting Super-Over win against Wolves, who ended up with four points, in the group decider courtesy all-rounder Hammad Azam’s brilliance.
Batting first, Rams were all out for 143 in their 20 overs as Azam stood out with 66 of just 35 balls with three sixes and eight boundaries. Samiullah Niazi took three wickets while Ehsan Adil picked up two.
In reply, Wolves began their chase in reasonable fashion but ended with the scores level as captain Misbahul Haq was run out while trying to steal a second run on the final delivery.
Misbah made a 34-ball 42 with two sixes and two fours as Wolves finished with 143 for five.
As Wolves batted first in the Super Over, they managed just nine. In reply, Azam faced the opening delivery and hit a towering six. However, the team lost the plot and needed a single off the final ball. But victory was not to be denied as Azam stole a bye and gave his side a thrilling win.
Rams skipper Sohail Tanvir lavished praised on his young team.
“Rams have always been able to win because everyone wants to chip in with a solid performance,” Tanvir told The Express Tribune. “Azam was brilliant tonight and the win needs to be credited to him.”
The first match of the day was cut short by weather as Stallions thrashed Multan Tigers by nine wickets. Tigers laboured to 47 for nine in their 14-over innings as Raza Hasan starred with three wickets while Adeel Malik took two wickets. In reply, Stallions achieved the target in 6.3 overs as Shoaib Malik made an unbeaten 31.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2013.
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Afridi....here is your replacement!!! retire please