Ramazan T20 Cup: Babar helps ZTBL down depleted SNGPL

Batsman hits half-century in eight-wicket win.

KARACHI: Babar Azam’s timely half-century aided ZTBL’s young guns in defeating SNGPL by eight wickets in their Group B Advance Telecom Ramazan T20 Cup match at the National Stadium, Karachi.

SNGPL, who won the President’s Trophy and the President’s One-Day Cup, were missing star players including Mohammad Hafeez, Misbahul Haq and Umar Akmal from their line-up while their fast-bowler Asad Ali is also a part of the national team currently touring the West Indies.

On the other hand, ZTBL were missing their important all-rounder Sohail Tanvir who is also set to join the national squad.

ZTBL were set a competitive target of 156 runs that they successfully chased for the loss of two wickets with two balls to spare. Babar starred with 77 off 54 balls, an innings that included three sixes and six boundaries. He was involved in an unbeaten 112-run third-wicket partnership with Hussain Talat, who remained not out on 32.

Opener Sharjeel Khan also played an important role as he gave his team momentum by scoring a quickfire 32 with the help of one six and five boundaries.

Bilawal Bhatti and Khurram Shehzad got one wicket each.

Earlier, useful contributions with the bat took SNGPL to 155 for six in their 20 overs. Ali Waqas made a run-a-ball 41 with Imran Khalid (26), Taufeeq Umar (23) and Khurram (20) supporting him.

Rehan got two scalps while Mohammad Khalil and Tahir Mahmood grabbed one wicket apiece.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2013.

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